§ 50. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to announce the decision of the War Cabinet in the matter of trade card exemptions?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the fullest consideration must be given to a matter of this importance, and that it will be necessary to consult the trade unions concerned. I am afraid that I am not at present in a position to make any further statement, but I hope to be able to do so at an early date.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman advise the War Office not to call up any men who have signed form MM 81 until this question is settled?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am afraid I cannot answer a comprehensive question like that.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman promise that a statement shall be made in the course of this week?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, I am afraid it will not be possible to do so.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the grievance underlying this question has existed since the middle of December, and that representations have been made repeatedly to the War Office, to the Munitions Ministry, and to other State Departments, and may I ask him whether, if the matter is not to be settled at an early date, he will undertake to receive further representations from the various trade unions who are aggrieved?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am well aware of the matters referred to by my hon. Friend. The card system, however, was introduced some time in January, so the grievances could not arise before that time. We are endeavouring to deal with this matter as expeditiously as possible, and we are proposing to call a meeting of the unions concerned as soon as a convenient date can be fixed and these proposals are ready to put before them. We cannot discuss it until we have met the unions.
§ Mr. PRINGLEMay we take it then, that the statement in the "Times" that this system has been put an end to is totally unauthorised and untrue?
§ Dr. ADDISONNothing has been decided.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman when he calls his conference not only call the trade unions together who are aggrieved, but also delegates representing the general labourers' unions as well?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is obvious, I think, that all the unions concerned will be consulted finally. I think, however, it is desirable in the first place to discuss the proposed modifications with the unions that were parties to the existing agreement.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs it not rather more important to discuss the matters with the unions that are aggrieved?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe shall be delighted to discuss it with those unions as well. I think, however, it is more businesslike to proceed in the way I have indicated.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable to have a frank discussion in this House?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think I have in this matter given the frankest possible reply.