HC Deb 10 March 1920 vol 126 c1261
38. Mr. SITCH

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Apex Stamping Company, Limited, of Fleetwood, having failed to carry out an arbitration award, dated 20th November, 1919, and having been successfully prosecuted for non-compliance with the order, dismissed forthwith a large number of women trade unionists and filled the vacancies so created with non-union women; that the resentment aroused by this action in the local trade union movement is such as to threaten a general stoppage of work similar to that of last September: and whether steps will be taken by the Department to impress effectively upon the firm the disastrous effect of this policy of hostility to trade unionism?

Sir R. HORNE

I understand that this case is still sub judice. My Department has for some time been endeavouring to compose the difference in this case; but as the hon. Member will be aware, I possess no legal powers to enable me to take effective steps of the kind indicated.