HC Deb 06 August 1919 vol 119 cc345-7
30. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Labour whether any representative of the Ministry has interviewed representatives of the workmen now on strike at Messrs. C. Roberts and Company, Limited, wagon works, Horbury Junction, since its commencement to ascertain their views as to the cause of the strike or how to bring" about a settlement; and, if not, will he meet a deputation from the workmen at the earliest possible date?

Sir R. HORNE

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Officials of the Ministry of Labour have been dealing with the parties in the endeavour to settle this deplorable case, and the Parliamentary Secretary is meeting the parties to-day at Horbury.

31. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will agree to the discharged soldiers and sailors thrown out of work through the strike at Messrs. Roberts and Company, wagon works, Horbury Junction, receiving unemployment, benefits from his Department, seeing they have no means of subsistence except through recourse to the Poor Law?

Sir R. HORNE

I understand that the men to whom the hon. Member refers are unemployed in consequence of a trade dispute at the premises at which they were employed. In these circumstances the rules under which unemployment benefit is granted prevent their receiving out-of-work donation during the continuance of the stoppage of work caused by the dispute.

The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. LUNN:

32. To ask the Minister of Labour whether letters have been received by his-Department from the workmen on strike at Messrs. C. Roberts and Company, Limited, wagon works, Horbury Junction, asking that a joint conference representative of the Ministry, the Discharged' Soldiers' and Sailors' Association, and the workmen on strike, should be arranged, with a view to arriving at a settlement of this dispute; and what steps have been taken by the Ministry in this direction?

Mr. LUNN

May I say that this question should have suggested the employers as part of the joint conference as well as-the others?

Sir R. HORNE

The answer to the question is in the negative, but I shall be glad to receive any information in the possession of my hon. Friend.

Mr. LUNN

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received information of meetings held last week wherein it was decided to send a joint representation to him asking that such a joint conference should be -called together as early as possible?

Sir R. HORNE

No letter has been sent to me to that effect.