§ * SIR A. ROLLIT (Islington, S.)said, he desired to move the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into and report upon the circumstances, causes, and consequences of the present dispute in the coal trade, and as to the possibility and best methods of substituting more peaceful remedies. He thought the Motion was justified by the national character and consequences of the dispute now pending, a dispute which affected the whole body of the people, which was the source of the greatest suffering, cost, and loss to large numbers of the population, which struck at and diverted the industries of the country, and which most seriously affected every consumer of one of the necessaries of life. This strike, like the last strike in Hull, was disastrously affecting the shipping trade; and other businesses, of course, suffered proportionately. One of the great difficulties connected with strikes was to ascertain the real facts and circumstances which led to them. The public had the utmost difficulty in arriving at any conclusion with respect to these causes, and no right or just conclusion was possible at the present moment. The first object he had in view was to elicit the facts in order that public opinion, if there was no other remedy, could make itself felt, and exercise a force upon the parties to which they must submit. The interest taken in the subject was shown by the fact that there were four Bills dealing with it on the Paper, one introduced by the Government, and the other three by private Members. These Bills might be referred to the Commitee which he proposed, and the matter was so important that the Committee might sit de die in diem in order to secure that information, and, if possible, also that peaceful solution which they all desired. He could only say, in conclusion, that in bringing forward this Motion he had no intention whatever to propose compulsory arbitration, to which the Prime Minister had stated the objections, or to interfere with the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, which it was understood the hon. Member for the Ince Division 648 wished to move on the following day. He would conclude by moving for the appointment of the Committee.
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That a Select Committee, nominated by the House and the Committee of Selection in equal proportions, be appointed to inquire into and report upon the circumstances, causes, and consequences of the present dispute in the coal trade, and as to the possibility and best methods of substituting conciliation and arbitration for Strikes and Lock-outs."—(Sir A. Rollit.)
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. Harcourt,) DerbyI admit that this is a very serious matter which the hon. Gentleman has brought forward, but it is, it will be admitted, too important a question to be dealt with at 12 o'clock at night. The appointment of a Committee involves questions as to what it is to do. Is it to be a Committee of recommendation; is it to be a Committee of Inquiry, and what powers, if any, is it to possess? All these points have to be considered.
§ It being Midnight, the Debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed To-morrow.