§ 44. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any further statement concerning the dispute in the building trade; and whether any building contracts have already been cancelled and inquiries for work withdrawn on this account?
§ Mr. SHAWWith regard to the first part of the question, I understand that the meeting of the employers' and workers' organisations which was held on 1338 Monday has been adjourned until to-day. I have no information as to the effect of the dispute on building contracts.
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a statement to the House immediately some decision is reached, having regard to the serious consequences that may happen to the housing schemes if a strike takes place?
§ Mr. SHAWAs far as the dispute in the building trade is concerned, yes, but the hon. Member well knows that his question is a double-barrelled one, and that one part of it should be addressed to another Department?
§ Sir K. WOODI will do that.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman set up a Court of Inquiry before the dispute matures, or will he wait until the dispute has ripened and arrived?