Fiji (Wages, Incomes and Prices Report)

HC Deb 09 April 1968 vol 762 cc1067-8

26. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to the report on incomes and prices in Fiji by Professor H. A. Turner.

Mr. Whitlock

The Report of Professor Turner on wages, incomes and prices policy in Fiji is currently under study by the Fiji Labour Advisory Board on which the Fiji Employers Consultative Association and the Fiji Trades Union Congress are represented. This study is not yet complete.

Mr. Irvine

Has the hon. Gentleman noted that, in the Report, attention is drawn to the fact that unemployment has in the last 10 years increased five times? In these circumstances, should he not do something about it?

Mr. Whitlock

These are all matters under consideration by the Fiji Government in consultation with representatives of employers and trade unions there. No doubt this point, which was raised in the Report, with all other aspects will receive due weight.