HC Deb 12 November 1936 vol 317 cc1025-6
17. Major DESPENCER-ROBERTSON

asked the Minister of Labour how many, unofficial strikes have taken place in this country during the last 12 months; whether he has any evidence as to the subversive influences which are causing such strikes; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action?

Mr. E. BROWN

Statistics are not available showing the total number of strikes which have not been officially recognised by the trade unions concerned, since specific inquiries on this point are not made by the Department. From an examination of such information as is in its possession, however, it would appear that of a total of 1,101 stoppages of work, owing to trade disputes, reported in the period from the beginning of January, 1935, to the end of September, 1936, at least 530 were within this category. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. G. GRIFFITHS

How many of these disputes were lock-outs by the owners and not strikes by the men?

Mr. BROWN

The answer deals with strikes.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

I thought you would not have them.

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member puts down a question about lock-outs, I will try to give the answer.