HC Deb 09 June 1913 vol 53 cc1242-3
20 and 21. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he can make any statement in reference to the present position of the strike in the Midlands; if the Government intend to move in the matter with the object of bringing the dispute between the employers and the employés to an end; and (2) if he is aware of the distress prevailing in the Midlands owing to the strike; and whether he will take immediate steps towards the relief of women and children who are in dire distress?

Mr. BUXTON

The Chief Industrial Commissioner has been in touch with this dispute, and he has reason to believe that a meeting between representatives of the employers and the trade unions concerned will shortly take place. The Board of Trade have no funds which could be utilised for the relief of distress due to strikes.

Mr. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to impress upon the members of the Labourers' Union that this lock-out now in force in the Metropolitan Wagon Works is due to the breach of an agreement made by the Trade Union Federation—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.