HC Deb 03 March 1926 vol 192 cc1422-4
53. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the wages under which the workers in the engineering and shipbuilding industry of this country have been for years working; whether he is aware that for more than a year they have tried by peaceful persuasion to induce the employers to concede to them a higher standard of living; that a section of the London men have now withdrawn their labour as a protest against their requests being ignored: that in consequence of this the employers have threatened a national lock-out; and what action he is taking in the interest of the nation to prevent an industrial crisis which would inflict irreparable injury on trade?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am aware of the negotiations in the engineering and in the shipbuilding industries, to which the hon. Member refers. The threatened dispute is limited, so far as I know, to the engineering trade, and has developed as a result of a stoppage of work in a London engineering establishment. The Engineering and National Employers' Federation requested the unions concerned to instruct their members to resume work and thereafter to deal with the dispute in the constitutional manner. The executives of the unions replied that they were not in a position to comply with this request, and in the circumstances the Federation have notified them that there is no alternative but to proceed with the posting of notices dispensing with the services of the members of the unions concerned until the unions have carried out their obligations under the agreement to which they are parties. I understand that a meeting of the executives of the unions concerned, which was held yesterday to consider the situation, was adjourned till Friday in order that they may consult their London District Committees.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. If you cast your eye on the last item in the question which I put to the Minister, you will see that I ask what action he is taking in the interests of the nation to prevent an industrial crisis. The right hon. Gentleman has not, in my opinion, answered that question.

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman has just said that a meeting is to be held on Friday, and I understood him to add that he was awaiting the result of that meeting.

Mr. KELLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman in touch with both sides to this dispute; and, if so, has he decided upon taking any action in order to bring these parties together and keep them together?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am in touch with both sides. I cannot say what may happen after Friday. That is hypothetical, but presumably any action which the employers take may depend on any indications which they get of the action of the executives of the trade unions on Friday.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the fact that the lock-out notices operate on 13th March, has the right hon. Gentleman considered the short time at the disposal of the unions in which to deal with this question?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have all those facts in mind, but, as I say, as the meeting takes place on Friday next, I do not feel I can anticipate further than I have done very tentatively in my answer to the Supplementary Question what may happen on Friday next.

Mr. MAXTON

The original question has not yet been answered by the Minister. What is the Minister doing, apart from waiting? What else is he doing to prevent what will be almost a national disaster?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The answer is this. I am in touch with both sides, and I use my own discretion as to what action it is right or not right to take.

Mr. MAXTON

Does that mean that, in the long run, a subsidy will settle it?