Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked on what date the Government had notice of the possibility of a coal strike taking place; and what period elapsed before they intervened with a view to a settlement between the parties to the dispute?
Mr. BUXTONIt has been common knowledge for some time past that a dispute existed in the coal trade which might result in a general stoppage. As the hon. Gentleman is aware from statements already made by the Prime Minister, His Majesty's Government from the outset closely watched the developments, but they could not, in their judgment, intervene with any useful result until it became clear that direct negotiations between the parties would not result in an amicable settlement.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether he would consider the introduction of legislation designed to substitute in trade unions the secret for the open ballot on questions vitally affecting the interests of the whole nation?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I understood it had been arranged that this question should be postponed.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERI have already postponed it twice. I think I should now press for a reply.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that as at present advised my answer must be in the negative.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opinions of members of trade unions are very often got by bullying and intimidation? Is it not the object and desire of the Government to obtain the opinion of the men themselves, and not that of syndicalist Socialists?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am sorry the hon. Gentleman should have used language of that kind. I think the methods adopted for the purpose of ascertaining the opinions of trade unions are a matter of internal regulation, and I have every confidence in the good sense and good faith of my fellow countrymen to whatever class they belong.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that masters and men engaged in the English coal trade are with one exception agreed upon the principle of the minimum wage, the Government will insist that this agreement should come into operation at once in England; and, seeing that the national interests are in jeopardy, whether the Government will appoint a small Commission, armed with drastic powers, to settle the differences in South Wales, Scotland, and Northumberland as purely sectional matters?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can add nothing at present to what I said on Monday.
§ Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHERWill the right hon. Gentleman give the representatives of the country an opportunity of discussing the question of the coal strike, which is a matter of the utmost gravity?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will answer that later.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDMay I put a question to the Prime Minister, of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether his attention has been drawn to a statement published this morning that he intends to introduce a Minimum Wages Bill for the coal trade to-morrow, whether there is any foundation for that statement, and whether he can now say when he proposes to give an opportunity to the House to discuss the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe statement referred to by the hon. Member is a pure work of imagination. As regards the date at which it will be desirable for the House to discuss the question—I am very anxious 376 and the Government are very anxious that the House should have such an opportunity—we shall certainly not impose any delay on our part to the attainment of that object. I do not like at this moment to name a day. The position just now is very delicate. I am hoping now, in the course of the next hour, to see representatives of the miners, and therefore it is very undesirable to say more just now.