§ 92. Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the raid made by Colonel Angus Miller, Police Commissioner for Trinidad, on the trade union headquarters in Port of Spain on 22nd January, 1947; what were the demands of the oil workers which led to the strike; and what steps are being taken to facilitate settlement.
Mr. Creech JonesI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Sir P. Macdonald) on 29th January. In view, however, of allegations made in the Press since that date, that during the raid on the premises of the Workers' Oil Union the police destroyed a hand press, I think it right to say that the Commissioner of362W Police has assured the Governor that the police did no damage to the press.
§ 107. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a large number of trades unionists who are loyal to this country and to their trades unions have been imprisoned in the island of Trinidad for endeavouring to raise the standard of living of their fellow workers from its present low level; and if he will institute inquiries with a view to their early release.
Mr. Creech JonesI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the persons arrested in the recent disturbances in Port of Spain. None of these persons was arrested for endeavouring to raise the standard of living of their fellow workers. The Governor informs me that some were arrested for intimidation by annoyance and violence, and others for rioting and unlawful assembly.