HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc381-4W
Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any statement to make on the recent disturbances in Kingston, Jamaica, resulting in the deaths of a number of people.

Mr. Creech Jones

For some time there has been disharmony between trade union organisations in Jamaica. In January last, as a result of representations made by the T.U.C. regarding the conditions of service of employees of the mental hospital, authority was given for an immediate increase of male and female nursing-staff and estimates were being prepared of the cost of providing additional recreational facilities for both staff and patients. The present strikes have occurred in spite of the fact that discussions have been proceeding since early in January with the unions on the general question of relations between the Government and the unions, with a view to the creation of joint negotiating machinery in all Government Departments in matters affecting Government employees.

The present strike occurred without notice on the morning of 15th February amongst the lower grade employees of the mental hospital in Jamaica, leaving only the senior staff and a small proportion of the subordinate staff on duty. As a result, the patients were left without care or food and a number escaped. The police took immediate action and a number of the patients were recovered, and arrangements made to provide food for the inmates and to prevent further escapes. Unfortunately, a fire broke out at the hospital on the night of 17th February, the cause of which has not yet been ascertained and at least 15 inmates lost their lives. The Governor has appointed a board of inquiry into the causes of this fire. It is regretted that five deaths have also occurred in clashes in the streets of Kingston.

On the night of 15th February a strike of train crews on the Government railway was called resulting in a complete stoppage of traffic and the holding up of bananas destined for the United Kingdom. This was followed by a strike of all the prison warders on 16th February, and of the Kingston fire brigade on 17th February. All possible steps have been taken to meet the serious threat to essential services. Effective arrangements have been made to carry food supplies, passengers and mails by road instead of rail; A.R.P. volunteers have taken over the fire services. About 250 special constables have been called up and more are being enrolled; and volunteers have come forward in good numbers. The military authorities, in addition to providing food and medical care at the mental hospital, have supplied guards at prisons and fire brigade stations.

The Trades Union Council of Jamaica have stated that no resumption of work at the mental hospital can take place until the senior medical officer now in the hospital has been removed. To this request the Governor and his Executive Council are not prepared to accede, and after consideration in the Executive Council the representatives of the unions have been informed that the Government are not prepared to negotiate on staff questions until the strike is ended. Government employees on strike have been warned that unless they return to duty they will be regarded as having vacated their appointments. The Governor reported on 20th February that the difficult situation at the mental hospital has somewhat improved and the public had been deeply shocked by the disastrous fire. In response to a public invitation for applicants for employment at the hospital 150 candidates have already been recruited.

The train service on both branches of the railway has been partially restored and the situation in the prisons is being brought into control. A.R.P. volunteers are doing excellent work in operating the Kingston fire fighting services. Essential supplies have been well maintained. I am concerned at the situation which has arisen and am in the closest touch with the Governor.