§ Mr. W. THORNE(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a very serious dispute is pending in the Birmingham building trade because the employers have declined to meet local representatives or agree to arbitration; if he is aware that the matter has been in the hands of the Board of Trade for some time, and no definite action has been taken; and if he is aware that a ballot of the whole of the men has declared in favour of ceasing work and notices have already been handed in to stop work on Saturday next, 28th October; and if he intends taking any action in the matter with a view to preventing the dispute taking place?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe pending dispute in the Birmingham building trades, to which my hon. Friend alludes, has been referred to arbitration. The parties have been notified of the name of the arbitrators.