HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 c2607
32. Mr. Charles Brown

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as the result of the recent intervention of his Department in the dispute at the hosiery factory at Woolton, Liverpool, where Bear brank silk stockings are manufactured, any progress was made towards a settlement of this dispute which has now lasted 16 weeks?

Mr. E. Brown

Following representations by the Hosiery Joint Industrial Council alleging the non-observance of the industry's agreement by this company, I have been in communication with them on the subject. I do not think it desirable, however, to make any further comment on the position at the present juncture.

Mr. C. Brown

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider making an effort to bring the parties together in this case; and does he not think that the directors of this company are rather archaic in their ideas, when they will not negotiate with the trade union concerned?

Mr. E. Brown

I do not think it would be helpful if I adopted the suggestion of the hon. Member, but we are in close touch with the case and we shall do our best in this instance, as always, to ensure a satisfactory issue.