HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 cc1612-3
49. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Prime Minister if he will say what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to minimise the probability of industrial disturbances between the present time and the introduction of the Government Bill on that subject, which cannot take place before April or May next at the earliest?

Mr. McKENNA (for the Prime Minister)

Legislation on this subject requires to be maturely considered, and in the meantime the Government will, when the circumstances call for it, exercise such powers and such influence as they can appropriately use for the maintenance of industrial peace.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Has not this subject been before the Government with a view to legislation ever since, at any rate, the beginning of this year and under these circumstances, and seeing that the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised to deal immediately with this matter, is it reasonable to defer it till May or June of next year?

Mr. McKENNA

My right hon. Friend did not say immediately. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh! oh."]

Lord ROBERT CECIL

He said, "the immediate future." [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh! oh."]

Mr. McKENNA

I can add nothing to the answer already given to the Noble Lord. It is not a matter which can be settled hurriedly. I do not think the Noble Lord is quite right when he says that a proposal of this kind has been before the Government since the beginning of this year.

Mr. LANSBURY

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are ready to take action when the circumstances demand that that action should be taken, is he aware that the dock strike is still continuing, and that fearful suffering is being caused by it, and does he not think that the circumstances of the present moment demand that the House of Commons should take instant action to bring this terrible deadlock to an end in the East End of London?

Mr. McKENNA

I will report to the Prime Minister the views expressed by my hon. Friend.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that strikes are threatened in all directions, as we know from the daily Press, and do the Government really intend to move in the matter? [HON. MEMBERS: "Wait and see."]

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

A matter of this kind ought to be dealt with in Debate.