§ 50. Captain SHIPWRIGHTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the action recently taken by the National Union of Foundry Workers, he intends to consider legislation with a view to repealing the Trade Disputes Act?
§ 51. Mr. GERALD HURSTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the judgment of Mr. Justice Coleridge, delivered on the 23rd April, in the action Blackall v. the National Union of Foundry Workers; whether he is aware that the majority of trade unionists resent the abuse by the union in question of the powers vested in it, and that such abuses are common among trade unions; and whether he will consider the desirability of repealing the Trades Disputes Act, 1906, and of otherwise amending the present law relating to trade unions?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy attention has been drawn to the judgment referred to, the implications of which will receive consideration.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the colossal ignorance of the hon. Member who put the question is—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat expression is not in accordance with the hon. Member's own usual courtesy.
§ Mr. SEXTONI submit to your ruling, but I understood that it is quite a Parliamentary expression. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] If my expression is un-Parliamentary, I unreservedly withdraw it. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this union is not responsible in any way as a governing body for this action of a branch, and that this action was taken against the directions and wish of the executive body of the union?
§ Captain SHIPWRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the country against that Section of the Act which legalises interference with men in their right to work?
§ Mr. SEXTONI know nothing whatever about it.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a member of the legal profession has also been dealt with in exactly similar circumstances in this manner by his union?