HC Deb 15 April 1937 vol 322 cc1187-9
Mr. Buchanan

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely: The proposed stoppage of work to-morrow of the workers employed in the Clyde shipbuilding and engineering works, and the serious consequences that will arise.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has asked leave to move the Adjournment of the House on a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the proposed stoppage of work to-morrow of the workers employed in the Clyde shipbuilding and engineering works, and the serious consequences that will arise. I am afraid that is a subject upon which I cannot allow the Motion for the Adjournment under Standing Order No. 8. The Government have no obligation whatever to interfere in industrial disputes. The same Ruling has always been given when similar requests for the Adjournment have been made on that subject.

Mr. Maxton

Have the Government no responsibility for seeing that the engineering work, a large proportion of which is on Government orders, is carried on without interruption?

Mr. Speaker

Is the hon. Member questioning my Ruling?

Mr. Maxton

I understand that you are refusing to accept my hon. Friend's Motion on the ground that it is a matter on which the Government have no responsibility. I am putting it to you that, having regard to the nature of the work that is being carried on on the Clyde at the present time, the Government have a very serious responsibility, and that therefore that brings the Motion within the Standing Order.

Mr. Speaker

The Government have an interest in it, but no direct obligation to interfere in the dispute.

Mr. C. Williams

On that point of Order, does not the hon. Member's argument really mean the application of conscription of labour?