46. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the continued opposition of many of the trade unions whose members were exempted from serving during the War to the employment in their trades of ex-Service men, he will state what practical remedy the Government proposes to adopt to relieve the present position, in addition to the sympathetic consideration which they have constantly given to the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on Friday last, in reply to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Dartford.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it not a fact that the Committee set up, representing Government Departments, ex-Service men and trade unions, is doing very good work, and approaching some solution of this difficult subject?
§ Mr. MILLSDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with the contention put forward by this Question, that there is continued opposition by trade unions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhile these efforts are being made, and will be continued to be made, to solve this question, I would rather there were no controversy for the time being. I am very hopeful some solution will be arrived at, and that will be the best of all, because we want to get on with the work.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the Prime Minister say whether, in view of the allegations made against trade unions recently from very high quarters, this Committee is going to issue a statement on that question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that. I am not in a position to answer it.
Sir F. HALLAre not hon. Members justified, by reason of the action of trade unions, in putting down Questions of this sort?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is the whole trouble.