HC Deb 17 June 1930 vol 240 cc37-8
32. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Minister of Labour the number of days' work that have been lost as a result of industrial disputes during the past 12 months; and how this figure compares with the number of days lost from the same cause during the previous 12 months?

Mr. LAWSON

The number of working days lost through industrial disputes in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the 12 months ended 31st May, 1930, is estimated to have been approximately 10,600,000, of which about 9,400,000 are accounted for by the extensive disputes in the cotton and wool textile industries. The corresponding total for the previous 12 months was approximately 1,600,000.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Is this not a very sad commentary on the attitude of the Labour Government——

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

Mr. THORNE

Can the Parliamentary Secretary discriminate between the number of days which the men were on strike and the number of days when they were locked out?

Sir F. HALL

You call them all lockouts.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Member give any idea how many days have been lost where employers have been seeking reductions in wages?

Mr. LAWSON

No, I cannot.