§ 61. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Labour whether he has any public statement to make concerning the present dispute in the building trade, particularly in relation to the Government housing operations; and whether he can state the extra cost to working-class houses if the demand for 2d. an hour advance in wages is acceded to?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. T. Shaw)With regard to the first part of the question, I understand that a further meeting of the employers' and workers' organisations is to be held on Monday next. I am not in a position to make an authoritative statement as to the effect of the suggested increase in wages upon the cost of houses.
§ Sir K. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of my question which asks him whether he is having regard to the Government housing operations in connection with this dispute, and can he say whether it is a fact that the actual date of the strike has now been fixed?
§ Mr. SHAWThe actual date of the strike has appeared in the papers, but I am not responsible for the accuracy of that report. All I can say is that our information is that another meeting will take place between the two organisations on Monday next. My Department is watching the matter, and will do its best to prevent, if possible, by conciliatory methods, a dispute breaking out.
§ Mr. SHAWIf I may give a general warning, I should ask hon. Members to accept any statement in the papers on this question with a very considerable grain of salt.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to set up a court of inquiry into the dispute?
§ Mr. SHAWThat will depend on the circumstances. To talk about courts of inquiry while the parties are negotiating might do far more harm than good.
Sir F. HALLAre the statements appearing this morning in the "Daily Herald" to be taken as not correct?