§ Mr. CLYNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that extensive trade disputes, which now affect branches of the engineering trade, railway servants, and other occupations, have arisen without the intervention of trade union officials, and that in several cases employers decline to meet or deal with these officials regarding the grievances of workmen; and whether he can take any step to secure for workmen what employers always have, namely, absolute freedom to choose representatives to act on their behalf?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)I am not at present in a position to add anything to my previous statements to the effect that the question of improving the machinery available for preventing or shortening industrial war is at present engaging my earnest attention.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask whether in connection with the machinery to be provided any provision will be made whereby trade union representatives can be recognised?
§ Mr. BUXTONI am considering all the points, and especially that one.