§ Mr. AYLES(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the grave situation that has arisen in the building trade due to the threatened lock-out by the 4,000 federated employers of nearly 700,000 operatives; whether he realises the very serious effect this will have on the of houses for the people if it is allowed to take place; and what steps he is taking to prevent the precipitation of such a national disaster by the action of the employers?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Shaw)I am aware that, following upon protracted negotiations between the parties on the subject of a new national 41 wages agreement, the National Allied Building Trade Employers on Friday last adopted a resolution to the effect that, in the absence of a settlement of certain outstanding questions affecting Liverpool and some other districts, a national lock-out shall take place on the 5th July. I have been in touch with the parties, and have suggested to the operatives and to the employers that there should at once be a further meeting between them. I understand that the executives of the unions are meeting to-morrow, and that the representatives of the employers are meeting the following day; my suggestion will be before both those meetings, and I hope that it will be accepted.
§ Sir K. WOODCan the Minister of Labour inform the House what is the exact position at Liverpool? Are the men working or what action are they taking?
§ Mr. SHAWThe exact position at Liverpool is a matter of controversy and a matter of difference of interpretation between the two sides, and obviously, as the Minister of Labour must act as a conciliator, it would be extremely unwise for me to appear to take sides.
§ Mr. McENTEEHas the right hon. Gentleman noted the silence of the daily Press in regard to this action by the employers, and the difference in their attitude towards the action recently taken by other bodies of workmen?