HC Deb 15 May 1916 vol 82 cc1109-10
11. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the stoppage of several hundreds of motor drivers employed by the British Motor Cab Company; whether he is aware that this company, acting with the union representing the men, placed on the 26th of April before a Court of Arbitration, constituted by the Chief Industrial Commissioner, the points in difference between the company and the men; that the award of the Court was against the claim of the company; that the company, the day after receiving the award, entirely ignored it by requesting the workmen to sign a document in favour of the course rejected by the arbitrators; and whether, in view of the public incon- venience occasioned by the stoppage, he will bring pressure to bear upon the company to conform to the terms of the award?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of the fact that difficulty has occurred in connection with this matter, and the Department are in communication with the company and with the men's representatives.

Mr. W. THORNE

In the event of a firm or company going to arbitration, and the Arbitration Court deciding against them, and the following day they insist upon the workmen signing an agreement contracting out, what position are you going to take up in regard to the company?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If and when the case arises I will try to deal with it.

Mr. THORNE

That is the case here.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot go beyond the statement in this case. Communications are passing between the company, the men's representatives, and ourselves.