§ 55. Sir F. BANBURYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an agreement was entered into between the London employers and the joint standing committee representing the workmen of the Port of London on the 5th of last May which settled the rate of wages to be paid, and that the men, or some of them, threw over their representatives and preferred to receive out door relief; and whether he will refuse to render any assistance to the guardians to enable them to provide relief to men who can obtain work if they choose?
§ Sir A. MONDAccording to my information no agreement was arrived at on the 5th of May between the Joint Standing Committee and the London Ship-repairing Employers' Federation settling the rate of wages to be paid. I understand that discussions have proceeded for a considerable time between the parties, but that up to the present no agreement has been arrived at. It is quite clear that it is unlawful to give relief to men for whom employment is available, and I shall certainly take such steps as are within my power to prevent any board of guardians from giving such unlawful relief.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that 99 per cent. of the 1456 men responsible for this stoppage are not receiving Poor Law relief at all, and the men seeking relief are the labourers thrown out of work in consequence of the action of other men?
§ Sir A. MONDI am not aware of it.