§ 27. Major Sir F. KELLEYasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now take steps to bring together the parties in the boilermakers' dispute; how many men are involved in this dispute; how many thrown out of work by it though not directly involved; and what is the approximate loss of wages through it?
§ 31. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that but for the boilermakers' lock-out one of the leading firms in Barrow would be able to take on a large number of additional hands and so help to relieve the abnormal unemployment in that town; and whether, in view of the urgency of the unemployment problem, he can now see his way to intervene in the dispute?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am aware that unemployment in the shipbuilding industry has been increased as a result of the dispute referred to, but statistics of the kind desired are not available. I understand that the Boilermakers' Society is at present balloting its members on the question of working under the Agreement between the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and the Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades. In these circumstances, I am not proposing to take any action.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLECan the Minister state if he has any intention of interfering, as the position is so serious?
§ Sir M. BARLOWAs my hon. Friend knows—no one better—it is quite impossible to express, in advance, an intention 422 with regard to these difficult matters, the complexion of which changes from day to day and almost from hour to hour.
§ Mr. BOWERMANAssuming that the ballot is not in favour of a settlement, will the right hon. Gentleman's Department then intervene?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI must return a similar answer to that question. I must wait until the circumstances arise before I decide what course to take in regard to them.