HC Deb 07 December 1933 vol 283 cc1803-4
13. Mr. PIKE

asked the Minister of Labour if, in order to ensure the maximum absorption into specific industries for which they have been trained under the Unemployment Bill, His Majesty's Government will so amend the Trade Disputes Act, 1927, as to preclude the trade unions refusing to permit trainees to accept employment in such appropriate industry?

Mr. HUDSON

I am afraid my hon. Friend's suggestion is neither necessary nor practicable.

Mr. PIKE

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that in 1924, after the State had spent some £150,000 on the training of ex-service men in the building trades, the trade unions refused to accept them for that specific purpose, and will the Government take precautions against a recurrence of such action?

Mr. HUDSON

I do not as a rule find myself in agreement with the objections which are from time to time raised by trade unions in this connection, but we must recognise that they have a point of view that they are entitled to put, and I think it is much better dealt with by methods of discussion than by any attempt at statutory regulations.

Mr. PIKE

Will the Government assure the House that such discussions will take place, in order to avoid a recurrence of these things?

Mr. HUDSON

They are continually taking place.

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