HC Deb 28 July 1924 vol 176 cc1746-7
29. Sir L. LYLE

asked the Prime Minister whether, as an outcome of the recent court of inquiry into the building dispute, the Government has taken any steps, and, if so, with what result, to bring about a settlement in the present deadlock in the building dispute?

52. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make a statement concerning the present position of the building dispute?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)

I have been asked to reply. Representatives of the National Allied Building Trades Employers and of the Operatives' Organisation have been invited to a meeting this afternoon under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any special steps have been taken to safeguard the Government houses?

Miss BONDFIELD

I think it would be undesirable to say more at this moment.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that during the time the negotiations were pending the employers put the lock-out notices into operation?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is it not a fact that the builders' labourers' trade unions went on strike a fortnight before the lock-out was declared?

Mr. J. JONES

Why did the employers by their action anticipate the possibility of a settlement?

64. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that trade unionists on picket duty in connection with the building dispute in London have received printed slips of paper threatening them with violence; whether the police have made any inquiries into this matter; and what what result?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for HOME AFFAIRS (Mr. Rhys Davies)

I have seen copies of a slip of paper purporting to have been issued by the "British Fascisti," but I am informed that that body disclaims all responsibility for their authorship or issue. The police have at present no information as to who the author may be.

Mr. J. JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the man responsible for the organisation of the British Fascisti is an ex-Socialist, like Mussolini himself?