4. While I realize that claborate machinery on the lines of that obtaining
in this country is quite inappropriate to the large majority of Colonial Depend- encies and in some cases would be impracticable, I am nevertheless anxious to
ensure that all possible steps should be taken in every Dependency to encourage
the amicable settlement of labour disputes. It is clear that a great deal can
be done (and, I am aware, is in fact done in many Dependencies) in this direction by labour and other officers of the Government by contact and discussion with
employers and workers and by other indirect means such as guidance in the formation and encouragement of organizations representing the interests of employers and workers. Nevertheless, it is desirable that there should be adequate legislative provision for the setting up of conciliation and arbitration machinery in the form of boards of enquiry and arbitration, to which recourse could be made
in the event of the efforts of the labour or other officers proving unavailing.
5.
I enclose for your information the text of a recent Ordinance enacted
in Trinidad, which may be of value to the Governments of Dependencies where no legislation of the nature indicated above has so far been enacted and where it is considered that the time has arrived when its introduction would be desirable.
In this connection I should state, in reference to Section 10 of the Ordinance, that I have suggested to the Governor of Trinidad that the proviso at the end
of this section should be amended as follows:-
"Provided always that, if any witness objects to answer any question or to produce any document on the ground that it will tend to incriminate him or on any other lawful ground, he shall not be required to answer such question or to produce such document, nor shall he be liable to any penalties for refusing to do so."
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
MALCOLM MACDONALD.
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