Tin-mining Industry (Wage Negotiating Machinery)

HC Deb 01 August 1956 vol 557 c141W

49. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will, in view of the need for a national wage negotiating machine in the Malayan tin-mining industry, take steps to avoid the formation of company or splinter unions and urge the Mining Employers' Association to negotiate with and settle the grievances of this industry with the Malayan Mining Employees' Union.

Mr. Hare

The Malayan Mining Employers' Association agreed in principle some months ago with the Malayan Mining Employees' Union to the establishment of a joint wage negotiating council for the industry. This agreement has not been implemented because of an unresolved dispute which has led the union to sever relations with the association. Two members of the association have recently negotiated an agreement with a union other than the Malayan Mining Employees' Union, but I have no evidence of the formation of company or splinter unions.