§ Mr. ASQUITHMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement to the House, so that the House may be in possession of the exact situation in regard to the coal dispute, and if—as I think it not improbable—there be a desire to discuss that statement, whether he will move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of enabling us to do so1?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe reply which I sent on behalf of the Government to the Transport Workers last night, asking them for the grounds on which they had come to so serious a decision, appeared in the papers this morning. Early this morning I received a letter from the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby (Mr. Thomas) and Mr. Robert Williams, representing the Transport Workers, stating that they were quite prepared to come over to Downing Street to give their reasons in person. I thereupon invited them to come there, and named 11 o'clock. A small delegation representing the railway unions and the other transport unions came at 11 o'clock, and stated their case very fully. I gave the reasons why the Government took a different view. There was a long discussion. There will be a very full report in the Press I hope this afternoon, certainly this evening. It was agreed that it was desirable that there should be a full statement of the whole of the proceedings sent to the Press. I assume that this delegation, which was a small one, will report to their constituent bodies.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is what I understood. I think that it would be very undesirable to have a discussion at present in those circumstances. I should have thought it better that the delegates should consider what passed this morning between the Government and their representatives, and whatever their decision be, that undoubtedly will be a very grave matter. But to have a discussion in the House at this moment would, I should think, rather interfere with that. The Government are entirely in the hands of the House of Commons in that respect, but that is our emphatic opinion.
§ Mr. ASQUITHThis is a very grave situation. I am assured that the right hon. Gentleman wishes to do whatever he can to promote any possible peace, and I should be the last person in the world to put any obstacle in that direction. I think that the House of Commons ought to be kept fully informed in these matters. [HON. MEMBERS: "We are!"] After all, we are responsible—
§ The PRIME MINISTERHear, hear!
§ Mr. ASQUITH—and we ought to be kept fully informed. We are now within measurable distance—less than 48 hours—of the threat of a general strike, and, if the right hon. Gentleman says, on his responsibility, that he thinks that a discussion this afternoon will be prejudicial to the prospects of peace, I need not say that I should acquiesce. But I think, as the House is meeting to-morrow, that it would be well if the Government were to tell us that a statement on the subject will be made at the meeting of the House to-morrow and that then there will be an opportunity for a discussion.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will find out from Mr. Speaker if that be possible.
§ Mr. ASQUITHYou can always move the Adjournment.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not sure that I can. It is a private Members day. Certainly, I think it is very reasonable. I understand now that it would be in accordance with the rules of the House. It is not merely the view of the Government, but, unless I am mistaken—from the way in which my statement was. Received—it is the view of representatives 1303 of labour as well, that it might be prejudicial to have a discussion this afternoon. I would not profess to dogmatise upon the subject—it is very difficult to know—but on the whole I should have thought that a discussion this afternoon, while negotiations are pending between the parties more directly concerned, might be unhelpful. I will comply with the suggestion of my right hon. Friend, and, as I understand from Mr. Speaker that it will be quite in order, I shall make a statement at 12 o'clock to-morrow, and, if it be then thought desirable, move the Adjournment.
§ Mr. ASQUITHI am very glad to hear that. Let me point out that it is not a question between labour and the Government alone. It concerns the whole of the community—it is not really a matter of negotiation between one person, or set of persons, and another. The interests of the whole country are involved. On that understanding, that to-morrow, at 12 o'clock, when the House meets, the right hon. Gentleman will make a full statement, and, if necessary, move the Adjournment, I will not press the matter to-day.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I be allowed to say that I agree with what my right hon. Friend the Member for the Paisley Division (Mr. Asquith) has said as to the gravity of the situation, but, in the circumstances, I think the Prime Minister has expressed the most helpful view, as far as the House of Commons is concerned. Seeing that negotiations to some degree are not altogether suspended or broken off, and seeing that we have the assurance that some more complete story will be given to the House of Commons to-morrow, my own view is that it would be undesirable to proceed to any discussion to-day.