§ Mr. PENNY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the victimisation of newsagents throughout the country and the great loss they are sustaining in their business by the action of the Paper Workers' Union in causing supplies of newspapers to be withheld from them, and whether he has any intention of intervening?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware of the dispute in the London Book Publishing Trade to which my hon. Friend refers. The parties to the dispute are aware that the services of my Department are available to help them in reaching a settlement, if they so desire.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONIs the Minister aware that these unfortunate newsvendors are refused supplies even from the newspapers themselves, who have been informed that if they supply them the whole of their operatives will be brought out on strike and the. paper closed down? Will the Government take some action to stop this interference with trade?
§ Captain GEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible for any newsagent in London to get one additional copy above his ordinary number, in case the supplies should be carried to other districts?
§ Mr. BETTERTONYes, Sir, I am aware that considerable hardships have been experienced arising out of the incidents to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers.
§ Captain GEEMight I ask His Majesty's Government whether the Government rules this country or the trade unions?
§ Sir W. DAVISONThis is a very serious matter, affecting the business and livelihood of a large body of men. May I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government do not propose to take some action which will protect these men from this interference with their liberty?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day.