§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many trade unions have been formed and recognised 49W amongst Africans in Northern Rhodesia since the arrival there of the recently appointed trade union official; and whether consideration will be given to inviting a number of Africans to visit the United Kingdom in order to study trade union methods and procedure.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Copperbelt African Shop Assistants' Union, with the present membership of 454, has been recognised by the employers since the arrival in Northern Rhodesia of the trade union labour officer. As regards the second part of the Question, consideration will be given in due course to inviting Africans to visit the United Kingdom for the purpose stated, but I consider that, for the present, trade unionism among Africans in the Territory can best be developed and encouraged on the spot with the help of the trade union labour officer and other labour officers who have gained the full confidence of the African workers.