Trinidad (Trade Unionist's Visit)

Oral Answers to Questions — West Indies – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 12 Mawrth 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Arthur Lewis Mr Arthur Lewis , West Ham Upton 12:00, 12 Mawrth 1947

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider arranging for a Parliamentary delegation, with members who have trade union experience, to visit Trinidad.

Mr. Creech Jones:

I appreciate my hon. Friend's suggestion, but after careful consideration I have reached the conclusion that at this juncture the interests of the workers in Trinidad will best be served by a visit from an experienced trades unionist for informal local conversations. After consultation with the Trades Union Congress, I have arranged for Mr. F. W. Dalley, lately assistant secretary of the Railway Clerks Association, to visit the colony for this purpose.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Is this not another opportunity for holidays with pay?

Photo of Major Lyall Wilkes Major Lyall Wilkes , Newcastle upon Tyne Central

Is the Minister aware that what is needed in Trinidad is not so much a new delegation or a new commission with new recommendations, but that the very adequate and practical recommendations of the 1937 Commission should be implemented?

Mr. Creech Jones:

A great deal of water has passed under the bridges since 1937 and social and economic conditions are different, but I think that if my hon. Friend will refer back to a reply I gave a week ago he will find that many of his wishes are met.