§ 35. Mr. LYELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the strike which is now going on at Messrs. Millar and Richards' typo foundry in Edinburgh; whether the strike has now been in progress for six weeks; whether he can state the matters at issue between employers and workmen; and whether he is prepared to offer his good services so that a meeting may be arranged, and a renewed effort be made to arrive at a settlement?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)The Chief Industrial Commissioner has been in communication with the parties to this dispute and it does not appear at present that the Department can usefully take further action in the matter. The dispute arose over the 3167 demand of the workpeople for certain increases of wages, and commenced on June 21st last.
§ Mr. HOGGEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this firm has refused all offers of arbitration from outside people, and whether the Board of Trade could not properly act now?
§ Mr. ROBERTSONEven if the Board of Trade intervened, they could refuse.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman try between now and early in the holidays to see if some arrangement cannot be come to?
§ Mr. ROBERTSONI will try to find if anything can be done.
§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSMay I ask whether the Board of Trade has made inquiries with a view to ascertaining whether this firm are Government contractors, or whether any other firms holding Government contracts have sub-contracted with this firm?
§ Mr. ROBERTSONI would require notice of that question.