Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consult with the Government of Jamaica to ensure that the trade unions in Jamaica shall enjoy the same rights as in this country, that the existing restrictions on the right of combination and the penal clauses in master and servant legislation should be removed; and full rights of assembly and free meeting be conceded to the working people?
Mr. MacDonaldThe trade union law in force in Jamaica is Law No. 37 of 1919. This law is substantially the same1748W as the United Kingdom Trade Union Acts of 1871 and 1876. The question of the elimination of the penal clauses from the masters and servants legislation of this colony is at present under consideration by the Jamaica Government. My Noble Friend is unaware of any special restriction on the right of assembly.