§ Mr. ALEXANDER SHAW(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether action can be taken without delay to hold an inquiry with a view to the settlement of a dispute at the Railway Works, Kilmarnock, as a result of which 250 men are on strike?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI have been asked to reply to this question. My Department is in touch with this dispute and hopes to arrange for a resumption of work, with a view to the question at issue being referred to arbitration.
§ Mr. SHAWIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the railway company has said it is impossible to meet the men's request without the consent of the Ministry of Transport, and will he get into touch with the Ministry of Transport and fix an early date for an informal inquiry?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI was not aware of the information the hon. Member gives me, but I will undertake to get into touch with the Department at once.