58. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the alleged breach by the master-lightermen of the Thames of the agreement come to in August, 1911, concerned only a small number of employers and not by the master-lightermen as one of the contracting parties, whereas the Transport Workers' Federation, who represented the whole of the men in the acceptance of that agreement, had by their action in the present difficulty been guilty, as one of the principal parties to the agreement, of a distinct breach thereof; and whether the Government proposes to take any action to enable agreements entered into tinder their direction, or with their approval, to be loyally enforced or to enable penalties to be imposed for any breach thereof by either one of the contracting parties?
Mr. BUXTONThe facts of the dispute have been carefully investigated by Sir Edward Clarke, and his report has been circulated to Members. The whole question of agreements affecting transport workers and their employers in the Port of London is being considered by the 534 Government, in conjunction with the parties to the present dispute.
Mr. BUXTONThe matter as to the best way in which agreements should be enforced and carried out is under the consideration of the two parties concerned.
Mr. FRED HALLIf I repeat the question in a week's time, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me an answer?