Labour, Health and Welfare

HC Deb 30 January 1958 vol 581 cc87-9W

39. Mr. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Legislative Council of the Bahamas have introduced new labour, health and welfare laws during their present period of office; and what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to encourage them to introduce such legislation.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The following are the details:

1. 1. The following legislation has been enacted during the period in question:
   1. (a) The Old Age Pension Act, 1957 (No. 51);
   2. (b) The Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act, 1957 (No. 79);
   3. (c) The Labour Conciliation Board Act, 1957 (No. 76).
2. 2. On the advice of his Executive Council the Governor sent down the following Bills:
   1. (a) A Bill for an Act to repeal and replace the Labour Board Act, 1946. This was not adopted as submitted and the Labour Conciliation Board Act omitting provision for the creation of a Labour Department was enacted in its place.
   2. (b) A Bill for an Act to provide for the regulation and control of wages. This was referred to a Committee of the House of Assembly which did not report before the end of the session.
   3. (c) A Bill for an Act to amend the Trade Union Act of 1943. This also was referred to a Committee of the House of Assembly which did not report before the end of the session.
3. 3. The following Bills were introduced by a private Member:
   1. (a) A Bill for an Act to guarantee freedom of association to workmen and employees. This was ruled out of order.
   2. (b) A Bill for an Act to improve labour relations in the Colony. This was referred to a Select Committee of the House which did not report before the end of the session.
4. 4. A Bill to regulate and establish minimum remuneration and conditions of employment for hotel workers has been reported and is before the House of Assembly.
5. 5. Legislation on these matters is for the Bahamas Legislature, but to further the introduction of desirable legislation in these fields I provided in 1956 two experts to examine labour matters. Their report was adopted by the Bahamas 89 Government resulting in the introduction of Government Bills as referred to. My Deputy Education Adviser is about to go to the Bahamas at the request of the Bahamas Government to carry out an educational survey. Opportunity was taken to discuss the needs for legislation in these fields when I received delegates from the Bahamas House of Assembly last November.