asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government Teachers Union of Mauritius has been consulted on the application of the revised scale of salaries recommended by the Commission of Inquiry.

Yes, Sir. Consultations between the Government and the Government Teachers' and Aided School Teachers' Unions have been in progress since 31st March.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the large meeting which was held in April protesting against the inadequacy of the scales and the fact that they were imposed on the teachers without any con- sultation, and does he think that this encourage the growth of trade unionism in the Colonies?

:As I have said, consultations are now proceeding with the unions.