HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 cc1847-8
54. Mr. BROMLEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of a probable stoppage of work of boilermakers employed upon the construction of a new cruiser at Barrow; whether the men have offered to submit the matters in dispute to arbitration; and will he use his influence to secure a satisfactory settlement

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I understand that there is a dispute, regarding certain piecework prices to he paid on the work in question, which is being dealt with by the normal negotiating machinery in the industry. In the circumstances I do not think the intervention of the Department would serve any useful purpose.

Mr. SHORT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is the only firm responsible for the building of these new cruisers which is enforcing, or seeking to enforce, these new merchant shipping prices, and is it the fact that they have refused arbitration upon this matter?

Mr. BROMLEY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the negotiations are practically finished when the men are balloting today as to stoppage, and will he not, in the circumstances, try to alleviate the position

Sir A. STEELNIAITLAND

Tf the hon. Member will confer with me afterwards. I shall he glad. My information was that, so to speak. the resources of ordinary negotiation machinery had not been exhausted, and, of course, in that case, it is always better to let these be utilised to the fullest extent before any other intervention takes place.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is asking for warship painting to be done at merchant rates, which means 15 per cent. less than usual, and is he also aware that neither in this nor in any other country is this done: and, having regard to the Fair Wage Clause, will he bring his influence to hear upon the firm to have regard to that Clause?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The hon. Member is really asking me to pronounce beforehand on a statement from him as to the merits of a dispute one way or the other, and I am sure he will not expect me to do that in this case

Mr. CONNOLLY

Those are the terms of the ballot that the men are taking at the present time.