44. Captain MACDONALDasked the Minister of Labour how many cases brought to his notice of men penalised by their trades unions for working during the general strike have been withdrawn; 1534 how many are still outstanding and which are the trades unions concerned; and what action does the Government intend to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BETTERTONCases affecting 99 men who were said to have been threatened by their unions or branches of their unions with penalties for working during the general strike have been brought to my notice. Of these, 42 have been already disposed of. The remainder, which concern members of eight different unions, are at present outstanding. I am circulating a list of these unions in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My Department is continuing its efforts to expedite a settlement of the outstanding cases.
Captain MACDONALDMay I ask what action the Government are going to take in the event of these unions refusing to come to any settlement?
Mr. BETTE RTONI hope any action will be unnecessary; I hope that these cases will be settled. If they are not, then the situation will have to be considered in the light of the position which has arisen.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the hon. Gentleman got the names of the firms who are persecuting men since the general strike?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI cannot admit the hon. Member's statement In any case, it does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean when he says that these 40 cases have been dealt with?
§ Mr. BETTERTONActually settled satisfactorily to both sides.
§ Following is the list promised: