§ 47. Mr. ROWNTREEasked the Prime Minister, whether the War Cabinet have had an opportunity of considering the Bill for securing the redemption of the pledges given to the trades unions; and whether he can state the policy the Government are going to adopt regarding this matter and when the Bill will be introduced?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is the intention of the Government to introduce such a Bill, but conversations as to its terms are being initiated between members of the Government and the parties interested, and I fear that it will not be possible to proceed with the Bill this Session.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be introduced this Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already stated in my answer that the terms of it are being considered.
§ Mr. ROWNTREEIf it is found impossible to proceed with the Bill, will a statement be made to the House stating what are the intentions of the Government with regard to this very important matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite realise the importance of it. The statement I have already made is that it is the intention of the Government to introduce such a Bill. All that is in doubt is whether it can be done this Session.
§ Mr. GEORGE TERRELLWill all the principal employers' organisations be consulted as well as the trades unions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said that the parties interested are in process of being consulted, and, of course, that includes some representatives of the employers.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that this was a pledge given to the trades union leaders, and if any relaxation is to be given it can only be given by the representatives of the trades unions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is perfectly true that the Government to the fullest extent recognise that fact, but that does not make it unwise to try to reach an agreement.