§ 10. Mr. WALKERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a serious dispute has broken out at three of the steelworks belonging to Messrs. Colvilles, Limited, namely, Blochairn, Dalzell, and Hallside, involving 6,000 men and holding up important shipbuilding and munition work, and that it has arisen through the refusal of the company to grant recognition of the union of which the clerical employées are members; and, in view of the protection afforded to this company under the Finance Act, what steps he is taking to bring the dispute to a speedy termination?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI understand that about 150 clerks have stopped work but that no shipbuilding or munitions work has so far been affected. As I understand that certain proposals for settlement are under consideration, I do not think I ought to make further comment on the position.
§ Mr. WALKERIs the Minister aware that in these proposals there is a clause which states that the union representing the men, namely, the National Union of Clerks, shall not be recognised by the employers?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Member of the Government, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, is associated with this firm?
§ Mr. HARDIESince these steel works have been in this difficulty has the Ministry of Labour sought to bring about ordinary conditions between employers and employées by meeting representatives of the union?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member knows quite well that the Department always seeks the right moment for intervention. What we want to do is to get a settlement.