§ Mr. Jaggerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that although de jure recognition has been granted to the Civil Service Association of Trinidad no steps has yet been taken to give practical effect to this recognition; and if he will take steps to see that a properly constituted Whitley Council for the service is set up and give instructions that representations from the association are to be appropriately treated?
Mr. M. MacDonald:The Civil Service Association of Trinidad and Tobago is recognised by the Government of Trinidad as a representative body, and representations made by the association to the Government are given appropriate consideration. The question of establishing a Whitley Council has been examined by the Government, but it is not considered that the association is yet ready to participate effectively in such a form of procedure. The Industrial Adviser to the Government of Trinidad who is familiar with Whitley Councils and who is in close touch with the association, will no doubt advise the Government when he considers that a further step should be made.
§ Mr. Jaggerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the terms of the proposed regrading scheme for the Civil Service of Trinidad have aroused grave discontent by reason of its failure to provide compensation for the rise in the cost of living; and whether he can give an undertaking that the scheme should not be applied until the matter has been discussed on the Whitley Council with representatives of the staff concerned?
Mr. M. MacDonald:I am informed by the Governor of Trinidad that the terms of the proposed revision of salaries in the Civil Service of Trinidad have not yet been published pending their introduction into the Legislative Council. I have also 1968W been informed by the Governor that in the present emergency there is no question of any discontent in the Trinidad Civil Service who have submitted a special resolution of loyalty and who are doing their utmost to meet any demands which may be made upon them.
As I have stated in reply to the preceding question by the hon. Member, it is not intended at present to establish a Whitley Council in Trinidad, and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.