§ 61. Mr. L. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any official information to the effect that the Soviet Government has transmitted a message to all Russian wireless stations stating that it is essential to introduce martial law into the railway workshops and impose upon the workmen guilty of wasting time the full penalty of martial law?
§ The PRIME MINISTERRecent wireless messages from Moscow have repeatedly emphasised the necessity of enforcing the strictest discipline in workshops, and of combating internal disorganisation by any available means, but I have not seen the specific statement referred to in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it right that every man or woman who is able to work should be compelled to do some useful work of some kind?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not that the view of His Majesty's Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be very interesting for the Government to begin to know that that is the view of the trade unions.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has always been a principle laid down by the trade unions that every man or woman who is fit to work should be compelled to work?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWell, we shall bear that in mind.