24. Mr. J. JONESasked the Minister pf Labour if he is aware that the Fertiliser Manufacturers' Association have refused to negotiate with the National Federation of General Workers on a programme of reduced hours and other conditions of labour, and if he will use his good offices to bring about a conference between the parties concerned, and so obviate a stoppage of work in this industry?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe Ministry of Labour has been in communication with the Association and Federation in question with a view to securing a settlement between them. The hon. Member for South-East Leeds has recently discussed this matter with my Department. I am expecting a communication from him in due course, on receipt of which further action in the direction indicated by the hon. Member will be taken if necessary. I may state that the employés' representatives are at the moment considering whether it is possible for this purpose to settle the questions at issue through the machinery of the Interim Industrial Reconstruction Committee for this industry.
Colonel THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the organisations involved are now taking a vote of the men as to whether they will or will not withhold their labour, and will he use his good offices to try to bring them together?
§ Sir R. HORNEWhat the hon. Gentleman says is a matter of which I am unaware. I understood that the matter was in the process of negotiation through the hon. Member for South-East Leeds (Mr. O'Grady), who was using his good offices, and was to give a report to me as soon as he was in a position to do so
Mr. A. DAVISIn the event of the employers refusing to negotiate with the workmen, what steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat is a problematical question, and depends on the circumstances which arise.