HC Deb 13 May 1912 vol 38 cc789-90
Mr. COOPER

asked what is the personnel and terms of reference of the Cabinet Committee appointed to inquire into industrial unrest; how many meetings have been held; how many witnesses have been called; and when the first interim Report may be expected?

The PRIME MINISTER

It would be contrary to usage and to convenience to give publicity to the proceedings of the Cabinet or its Committees.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Will a memorandum be issued?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.

Mr. COOPER

Is not the importance of the subject of this inquiry so great as to deserve an impartial and open inquiry being made?

The PRIME MINISTER

That very possibly would be the result of the deliberations of the Cabinet Committee.

Mr. RAFFAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer attributing industrial unrest to the influx of agricultural labourers into other employments, and will the Cabinet Committee be prepared to hear evidence upon the land question.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not seen the statement. What paper was it in?

Mr. RAFFAN

"The Daily News" of this morning.

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not seen it.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of reading this important document?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir.

Mr. WATT

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has come for a. general inquiry into what may be called the wild cat schemes now being put forward.

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.