§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the differences between employers and employed at Hull have been reduced to a very narrow point, and such as ought to be arranged by friendly mediation; and if he will, in his official capacity or otherwise, suggest 562 to the leaders on both sides the advisability of leaving the questions in dispute to the Board of Trade, both sides being heard in case of need?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OK TRADE (Mr. MUNDEELA,) Sheffield, BrightsideUntil the Bill which I introduced last evening becomes law the Board of Trade have no right of intervention in labour disputes. I have, however, so far anticipated the suggestion of the hon. Member as to venture upon a friendly mediation, which has been so cordially received by the representative parties immediately concerned, that any extension of the trouble has been arrested pending negotiations which I hope may Jesuit in an amicable settlement. I have just received a telegram from the hon. Member for South Islington (Sir A. Rollit), who went down to Hull last night to negotiate arrangements which had been agreed to elsewhere. This is the message he added—
Long conference of shipowners to-day The importation of outside labour suspended. Prospects here are hopeful. Further communication later in the day.