§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement regarding the dispute which exists between the sugar manufacturers in Jamaica and the sugar workers who are members of the Bustamante Industrial Union; if he is aware that some 40,000 sugar workers are on strike for better wages; that the wives and families of these workers are in extreme poverty; that a deadlock has been reached in the negotiations between the union officials and the employers; that two days ago a riot took place in Kingston in which one coloured policeman was injured and six persons were arrested; and what steps are being taken to meet the situation of emergency which exists.
§ Colonel StanleyI understand that a strike occurred in one area a fortnight ago, but I have no report that any large numbers were involved. Negotiations are now proceeding between the Jamaica sugar manufacturers and representatives of the workers, regarding wage rates, and I have every reason to expect an early and satisfactory conclusion. The Governor has reported that on 13th January an assembly had to be dispersed in Kingston, a district remote from the sugar area, and 387W the occasion of which, as far as I know, was entirely unconnected with the sugar industry.