HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 cc1677-8
Mr. O'GRADY

I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the terms of the Resolution on the Order Paper to-day in the name of the hon. Member for East Leeds; and whether the Government can arrange that the Resolution shall be carried by consent of the House, so that the necessary mandate may be given to both parties in the present transport dispute to meet and settle the strike. [The Resolution of which the hon. Member had given notice was in the following terms:— "That, in the opinion of this House, it is expedient that the representatives of the employers' and the workmen's organisations involved in the present dispute in the Port of London should meet, with a view to arriving at a settlement."]

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

In reply to the hon. Member, I understand that the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury will place himself in communication with the various parties in the House to ascertain whether it is possible to give effect to the hon. Member's request.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think that it is very desirable that this House should have an opportunity of discussing this question, and the other question of the industrial unrest at present' prevailing in this country?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not sure that this is the most opportune moment, but I quite agree that the House should have an opportunity.

Dr. ADDISON

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade a question of which I have given him private notice, if he can inform the House whether it is a fact that the Port of London Authority is requiring men who have been on strike and who were previously on the registered and permanent staff to sign a document, when they resume work, whereby they come on to the "B" or preference casual labour class, and, if so, do they thereby forfeit the right to sick pay, holidays and pensions which they previously possessed?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I am informed by the Port Authority that the facts are as stated in the question, but I am not in a position to say what may be the legal effect of signing the document as regards sick pay, holidays, and pensions.

Dr. ADDISON

In view of the hardship which these proceedings occasion, and the deplorable consequences that must follow, will the hon. Gentleman use his best endeavours to induce this publicly constituted authority to desist from this cruel and vindictive policy?