§ MR. CRAWFORD (Lanark, N.E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to give the House any further information about the coal strike in Scotland; whether it is the case that proposals have been made that the masters should meet the representatives of the men with a view to terminating the strike and establishing a Board of Conciliation for the settlement of future differences and the fixing of wages for a reasonable term in advance; whether the associated masters, the tin-associated masters, and the men respectively are willing to meet for that object; and if the reluctance of any of these parties is an obstacle to such a settlement, whether there is any prospect of its being removed; and whether Her Majesty's Government have taken any steps, or see their way to take any steps, to bring about a settlement of the present dispute and the establishment of a Board of Conciliation?
§ MR. BRYCESeveral proposals have been made for a meeting between the coalmasters and representatives of the men for the purpose of arranging a settlement of the present unfortunate dispute, but f am not aware whether any plan for the establishment of a Board of Conciliation for the settlement of future differences has recently been formulated. It has been publicly stated, and not contradicted, that the non-associated masters and the men respectively are willing to meet for the purpose of arranging terms, 555 and I have strong hopes that the associated masters will also be found willing to join in an amicable conference. Her Majesty's Government, as I have informed the House on former occasions, have been carefully watching the dispute since its commencement, and have been perfectly willing, in case a fitting opportunity should arise, to use their good offices for the purpose of bringing about a conference between the parties. I have been for some time past in communication with the Lord Provost of Glasgow upon the subject, and trust that the judicious action which he has taken, and which appears to be regarded with satisfaction by all parties, may be attended with beneficial results. I have also been in communication with other parties concerned; but these communications have been of a confidential nature, and it would not be proper for me to make any statement here regarding them. With reference to the last paragraph of the question, I need only add that nothing which Her Majesty's Government could properly do to aid in bringing about an adjustment of the dispute will be wanting on their part.