Mr. West Russell(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute in the fishing industry at North Shields, and whether in view of the deadlock he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI am aware of the circumstances of this dispute. I am informed that the men who have gone on strike have done so against the advice of the trade union concerned and in contravention of an agreement between the union and the owners' association. As soon as the men resume work it will be open for the owners' association and the union to consider jointly along constitutional lines the claims the men have made, but as long as the present stoppage continues there is no action that the Ministry can usefully take.