HC Deb 22 May 1930 vol 239 cc560-1
18. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Minister of Labour in what respects the demands of the employers in the wool textile dispute go beyond the recommendations of the court of inquiry?

Miss BONDFIELD

I do not think that this is a matter upon which, in the present circumstances, I ought to make any statement.

Mr. ALBERY

Is the right hon. Lady aware of the fact that the Government official organ has already made a definite statement which, if inaccurate, should be contradicted?

Miss BONDFIELD

I did not quite follow the hon. Member's supplementary question.

Mr. ALBERY

I am asking whether the right hon. Lady is aware that the "Daily Herald" has made a definite statement on this subject, which, if inaccurate, should be contradicted?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am not responsible for the statement.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the employers' refusal to meet the workmen at the request of the Department, does the right hon. Lady intend to take any further steps in this dispute?

Miss BONDFIELD

I must ask to be allowed to make no further statement at the moment.

Mr. MUFF

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, considering the disastrous effect upon the community resulting from the Yorkshire Textile Dispute, the Prime Minister would consider the advisability of inviting representatives of the varying parties in the dispute to meet under his chairmanship, with a view to arriving at an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has been recently in communication with the representatives of employers and workers concerned in this deplorable dispute, and I understand that an officer of her Department is in Yorkshire to-day, and is discussing the position with the leaders on the spot. Before expressing an opinion, I should like that this officer should have an opportunity of reporting.