asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in British Guiana the Government auditors audit trade union acounts free of charge; and whether he will recommend the adoption of the same system by the Government of Trinidad.

Mr. Creech Jones:

Yes, Sir, that is the practice in British Guiana. As to Trinidad, the books of trade unions are audited by auditors appointed by the Registrar of Trade Unions, and the Government have refunded to the unions half of the prescribed fees. Provision has, however, been made in the 1947 Estimates to meet the full cost of audits, instead of half. The Governor informs me that the Registrar of Trade Unions is satisfied that the present audit arrangements work satisfactorily, but that the question of entrusting the work to the Government Auditor will be examined.