HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 cc1843-4
46. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the action on the part of certain representatives of the electrical trades union who, on the eve of the opening of the British Empire Exhibition, removed the fuses and put out of action various electrical appliances both at the Colonial Office exhibit in the British Government Pavilion and elsewhere, on the ground that certain parts of certain electrical apparatus had been made, or partially made, by men who were not members of their union: and what action the Government has taken, or proposes to take, in the matter

Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON

I have been asked to reply on behalf of my hon. Friend the Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department. It has been agreed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that all electrical work in the exhibition, including the Government Pavilion, is to he carried out by members of recognised trade unions. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend, the installation of certain electrical apparatus, which arrived at a late hour on the day prior to the opening, was held up for a short time until arrangements could be made for its installation by trade union labour. There was no interference with the working of any appliances

Sir W. DAVISON

Has any action been taken with regard to the men who removed these fuses

Sir H. BARNSTON

I will represent that to my hon. Friend.