HC Deb 09 December 1919 vol 122 cc1141-2
79. Mr. WIGNALL

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute in progress at the works of Messrs. Short and Mason, scientific instrument manufacturers, Waltham-stow; whether he is aware that the firm refused to negotiate with the Amalgamated Instrument Makers' Society; that they have discharged some members of the union who had been in the service of the firm for many years; that the main body of the employés have now been on strike for ten weeks; and whether he can take any action to secure a settlement of this dispute?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)

Since the beginning of October my Department has been in touch with the parties to the dispute, which I understand is connected with the discharge of certain workpeople, but it has not been found practicable to bring about a settlement. It does not appear that the case is one in which farther action can usefully be taken.

Mr. WIGNALL

Is it not possible to make some inquiry or short investigation into the case, with a view to seeing fair play for the men who have been discharged?

Mr. WARDLE

A full inquiry has already been made