Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are being taken in Trinidad to establish a minimum wage for workers on sugar and cocoa estates in order to relieve the shortage of labour on the estates, due in a large measure to the higher paid work available elsewhere; and, in view of the food shortage in Trinidad, and the world sugar shortage, will he now see that such a minimum wage is established and extended also to 942W any recruited workers from neighbouring islands?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanNo, Sir. To endeavour to improve the supply of labour for the Trinidad estates by fixing a minimum wage at a figure which would attract labour away from urgent defence works in the island is an expedient which cannot be contemplated at the present time. Legislation to facilitate immigration with a view to relieving the shortage of estate labour has recently been passed. Urgent steps are being taken to increase local food production.