Hansard

Strikes And Disturbances

Volume 433: debated on Tuesday 26 February 1974

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35.

Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent disturbances in Trinidad, he will appoint a commission to inquire into the causes thereof and make recommendations.

93. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received from the Acting Governor of Trinidad the full report dealing with recent disturbances; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Creech Jones

I have already informed the House on recent events in Trinidad and now await a full report on the troubles there. Until I have received and studied it I must defer any comments on the criticisms which have been made of the actions of the police and other authorities. The action taken had the unanimous support of the official and un- official members of the local Executive Council. The Emergency Powers Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council by 13 votes to 3 with 1 abstention. The police action referred to in the Question is one action of a number taken by the local authorities and these must be considered against the background of recent developments in Trinidad due to the rapid rise in living costs, the increased unemployment occasioned by the closing of work on the bases, the stoppages of work and the attempt by Uriah Butler to exploit the situation and weaken the established trade unionsAs regards the printing press, I am still having inquiries made, but I have no reason to doubt the assurances which I have received, both from the Governor and the Acting Governor that the police were not responsible for the damage. With reference to my statement on 12th February that there was no question that there were acts of violence and mass intimidation, I had in mind certain events in the oilfields and some of the charges against persons who were arrested in the course of the disturbances. But in regard to the action of the police I must await the report. The policy of the Trinidad Government is to encourage trade unionism. Over the past few years progressive social and economic programmes have been pursued. Among the steps now taken to remove the causes of unrest may be mentioned—

  • (a) the appointment of a Committee to consider the grading and salaries of public servants,
  • (b) the appointment of another Committee to inquire into the high costs of living,
  • (c) a review by the Standing Price Control Committee of the percentage mark-up of imported goods, with a view to reducing prices,
  • (d) the selection of an experienced trades unionist from this country to visit Trinidad to discuss the position and the state of industrial relations generally with all parties concerned, and
  • (e) the expedition of the 10-year plan for economic and social development including the strengthening of the Government staff as necessary for its effective prosecution

    • With the assistance of the Trade Union Congress I have every hope of securing

    the services of an experienced trade unionist to visit Trinidad in the near future to discuss the position and the state of industrial relations generally with all parties concerned. I feel that this will be of better service to the workers of Trinidad than the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry. I may add that I have closely consulted the new Governor on all these matters. He is due in Trinidad very shortly.