HC Deb 11 August 1911 vol 29 cc1522-3
Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)

I beg to move, "That this House do now adjourn."

Mr. PIKE PEASE

Can the Postmaster-General give us any information with regard to the strike in London?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The information which the Government has at the moment is that, fortunately, almost all the outstanding questions have been settled, and that the main question still in dispute affects the lightermen. Conferences are still proceeding at the Board of Trade, and the Government are not without hope that a settlement of this dispute will be arrived at in the very near future. Should a settlement be arrived at in regard to the lightermen, there is every reason to believe that the whole of the men now on strike will return to their work.

Sir SAMUEL SCOTT

Have they gone back to work?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have no information on that point. The main body of the men on strike who have not gone back, pending a settlement with respect to the men whose cases are not yet decided.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

In the unfortunate event of a settlement not being completed, are any arrangements being made with regard to the provisioning of London in the meantime, and to enable those who desire to get provisions to get them? There is really a crisis in that respect, and that is an interesting point upon which information is desired.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Government are taking the fullest steps to safeguard the food supplies of London in any eventuality.

Mr. LEACH

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to impart to the House as to the troops that have been summoned to London?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give any information about that.

Mr. BARNES

Do the arrangements which the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned cover an arrangement with the carmen? Are they settled to-day?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Yes, I understand that is so.

Mr. KING

I hope the matter of the troops will not be lost sight of, and the unnecessary irritation that it will cause if there is any suspicion that they may be called up, when now, really, the reason for their presence has gone. I am sure that point ought not to be overlooked.

ADJOURNMENT—Resolved, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Mr. Gulland.]

Adjourned accordingly, at Three minutes before Two o'clock, until Monday next, 14th August.