Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what are the reasons given by the Governor of Jamaica for his decision in declaring certain registered trade unions in Jamaica illegal or of acting illegally; and whether an appeal from this decision will be allowed to be taken to a higher court in Britain, or whether this is an administrative and not a judicial decision;
(2) whether he is aware that the Governor of Jamaica has declared certain local registered, previously recognised, trade unions illegal organisations, on the ground that officers of professional status have been appointed to positions in the union organisation who, it is alleged, by their vocations cannot be members of a 549W union catering for certain types of workers; whether his approval was sought or given to this attempt to limit trade union members from appointing officers of their choice rather than of official approval; and whether amending trade union legislation is to be immediately introduced in the Colony of Jamaica permitting union members to appoint as union officers men freely chosen by paying members?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanOn 22nd October Defence Regulations entitled "The Authorised Associations (Government Departments) (Defence) Regulations" were published in Jamaica, and came into force, the effect of which was to exclude all non-employees from membership or office in the departmental trade unions except by the Governor's authority. My Noble Friend was informed that this action became necessary in view of the key positions in relation to vital services occupied by some of the office holders not departmentally employed who were known to be engaged in subversive activities. It is not intended to amend Jamaica Trade Union legislation. My Noble Friend's approval was not obtained before the Regulations were issued. He is already in consultation with the Governor in regard to the situation.