§ MR. NANNETTII beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention has been called to the lock-out by the master builders of Dublin of their bricklayers; whether he is aware that the masters' association have refused to submit the question upon which the lock-out took place to arbitration; and whether, seeing that work on several Government contracts has been stopped owing to the lock-out, and in view of the distress existing among the families of the labourers and others owing to the prolonged stoppage of work, he will use his office, as head of the Conciliation Board, to induce the employers to submit the point which led up to the lock-out to arbitration.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW, Glasgow, Blackfriars)My attention has been called to the dispute in the Dublin building trade. I understand that the employers are prepared for arbitration on certain conditions. No application has been received from either party by the Board of Trade to take action under the Conciliation Act.
§ MR. NANNETTIIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the employees are prepared to accept arbitration which the employers are not, and will he see that Government work is not stopped by this dispute? Will the Department put in force the Arbitration Act?
§ MR. BONAR LAWwas understood to reply in the negative.
§ MR. NANNETTIThen what is the use of the Act?
§ MR. BOXAR LAWI am informed there is no Government contract concerned except one involving about £30.