§ 49. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that a large number of newsvendors in London and the provinces have for some weeks been prevented from obtaining supplies of papers and periodicals, by which they earn their living, owing to the action of the printers' trades union in sympathy with a strike in the book trade with which the newsvendors have no concern whatever; whether he is aware that the printers' trades union has forbidden the proprietors of all newspapers throughout the country to supply any newsvendors who previously obtained papers or periodicals through the wholesale newsagents, Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, and Company; and whether he proposes to take action, by legislation or otherwise, to bring this state of affairs to an end?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)I have been asked to reply. I understand that an arrangement has now been made under which the news- 905 agents concerned will receive the supplies of papers and periodicals which they require.
§ Sir W. DAVISONOn the facts indicated in the question, may I ask the Prime Minister whether the Government do not intend to take any action to protect these unfortunate men from having their businesses ruined at the caprice of a union with which they have no concern? As this is a very serious matter for my constituents, one or two of whom have been nearly ruined, may I ask the Prime Minister to let me have a reply?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing further to add to the reply that has been given.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the newspapers this morning have notices posted up that the strike is settled?