HC Deb 04 December 1930 vol 245 cc2368-9
16. Mr. WALKER

asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that the British Mannesmann Tube Company, Limited, have locked out over 1,500 of their work-people at Landore, near Swansea; and whether, seeing that the company have declined to accept an offer made on behalf of the workpeople to submit the questions in dispute to arbitration, in pursuance of the conciliation and arbitration board agreement between the company and their workpeople, she will consider what steps can be taken in the matter?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am aware of the dispute to which my hon. Friend refers. I hope that the parties will be able to reach a settlement themselves.

Mr. WALKER

Is the Minister of Labour aware that this company has several Government contracts on hand, the execution of which is being delayed by the attitude of the firm?

Miss BONDFIELD

That question should be addressed to the Department concerned.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Is the right hon. Lady aware that a good deal of the difficulty in these works is due to the fact that the company employ German managers and supervisors who adopt unusual methods in the treatment of their men?

Miss BONDFIELD

I hope that all these matters will be considered by the representatives of the parties concerned.