§ Mr. O'GRADYI desire to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question, of which I have given private notice: Whether he is aware that the Dockers' Union has submitted proposals to the London shipowners for an increase of twopence per hour in their wages to meet the increased cost of living, and that the shipowners refuse to meet the men's representatives; whether he is aware that the Government/Committee recently appointed to obviate disputes during war time has also been approached in this matter, and has replied that it is outside their terms of reference and should be submitted to the Board of Trade; whether, seeing that the men's union are willing to have arbitration on the questions at issue, thus responding to the Prime Minister's appeal, what steps it is proposed shall be taken to bring the parties involved together, with the view of an amicable settlement, or to what tribunal, if any, can the matter be referred?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)I am sorry that the question has reached neither my hon. Friend nor myself, and therefore I have no answer to it.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIt was sent last night.