§ 55. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the police of the Fiji Islands entered a private meeting of trade unionists at the Nandi Theatre on 30th May and threw two tear-gas bombs into a crowded hall of unarmed and peaceful people causing injury to a number who had to be treated at the local hospital; if he will hold an inquiry into this incident; and also give an assurance that the Government of Fiji will refrain from interfering with the internal affairs of the trade unions.
§ Mr. HareI am informed that the annual general meeting of a union of Indian sugar cane farmers became disorderly; that the general secretary of the union called in the police to restore order and that they requested the crowd to leave the hall peacefully. The disorder continued and after due warning it was necessary to use two tear smoke grenades. There were no serious injuries. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for an inquiry.