§ 108. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take steps to establish conciliation machinery in the oilfields of Trinidad, to bring about a settlement of the present dispute and to prevent a recurrence, and if he will arrange fur a deputation of experienced trades unionists from this country to visit the island to give advice and assist the trades unionists there on the methods adopted by the trades unions in Great Britain.
Mr. Creech JonesThere is a Joint Conciliation Board for the oil industry. Through this medium the Oilfields' Workers' Trade Union and the Oilfields Employers' Association reached an agreement on 18th December, 1945, in respect of wage rates of hourly, daily and weekly paid workers in the industry. The agreement operates for two years with effect from the 13th December, 1945. At any time after 12th September, 1947, either party may give three months' notice of termination. In addition, there is in Trinidad a Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Enquiry) Ordinance, based upon the United Kingdom Industrial Courts Act. I am, however, obliged to my hon. Friend for the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question, which I will certainly bear in mind.