§ Mr. ROSE(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a serious crisis is pending in the engineering industry owing to the refusal 243 of the employers to suspend the notices in order that a ballot may be taken by the unions affected; that this proceedure is calculated to provoke a calamitous disturbance of this important industry; and whether, in view of the industrial conditions, already dangerous to the well-being of the community, he will take immediate steps to bring pressure to bear upon the employers to give the workmen's representatives reasonable facilities to consult the members of their unions?
§ Sir M. BARLOWMy right hon. Friend is in close touch with the parties to this dispute. In view of the fact that negotiations are still in progress, I think it undesirable to make any statement on the matter.