HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc153-4W
69. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if a full inquiry will be held into the rubber industry of Malaya as recommended by the Whitton Award; and if he will arrange for experienced trade unionists from this country to sit upon the Board.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Government of the Federation of Malaya have decided to appoint a Commission to inquire into the rubber industry and I am in consultation with the High Commissioner about its membership.

70. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the discontent among the rubber workers of Malaya caused by the employers' failure to implement fully the recent arbitration decision in this industry which is destroying confidence in this industrial machinery; to what extent this award is binding on both parties; and what steps he is taking to secure its full implementation.

Mr. Lyttelton

The employers have not failed to give effect to the award which provided for payment of wages on three scales related to the average price of rubber over the preceding quarter. But there has been discontent because they have not agreed in advance to give effect to the award if the price of rubber falls to the lowest of the three levels to which the arbitrator related his award. The award cannot be enforced against either party, but negotiations to avoid a dispute if the price of rubber does fall are continuing with the help of the appropriate Department.