HC Deb 11 June 1912 vol 39 cc703-4
Mr. CARR-GOMM

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether he is aware that notices of dismissal have been issued by the Port of London Authority to many of the permanent men employed in the maintenance department of the Authority; whether this action is not a breach of Section 60 of the Port of London Act, 1908, whereby these men are safeguarded for five years against dismissal, except in the case of misconduct or incapacity, and, if so, will he state what he proposes to do in the matter?

Mr. BUXTON

I understand from the Port of London Authority that notices of dismissal have been issued to a certain number of their employés. I am not aware whether these men come under the provisions of Section 60 of the Act, which provides that if the services of any officer or servant transferred to the Port Authority are dispensed with within five years except for misconduct or incapacity, he shall be entitled to compensation. The Port Authority have promised to send me further information which I shall be happy to forward to my hon. Friend.

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

I should like to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether he has any statement to make to the House with regard to what the Cabinet are doing with reference to the transport strike?

The PRIME MINISTER

The House is aware that in the course of the last ten days the Government have made every effort in their power to bring to a satisfactory close the dispute between the employers and employed in the Port of London. Proposals were put forward which, unfortunately, have not found acceptance on both sides, and so far the efforts have proved abortive. The matter now, we are told, has assumed, or threatens to assume, a wider scope. I do not think I can usefully in the public interest say more at the moment than that this new aspect is engaging the most serious consideration of the Government.

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Arising out of the answer we have just had, may the House assume that the Cabinet is still in a position to offer its good services to either or both of the sides should an opportunity arise, and may we also assume that without delay some statement may be made on the subject?

The PRIME MINISTER

With reference to the first question of my hon. Friend, the answer is in the affirmative, and, with regard to the second, I would not pledge myself in regard to the matter of time, but there will be no unavoidable delay.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he has observed that in another strike in which the Government in no way intervened the parties arrived at an amicable settlement?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know-to what the hon. Member refers.