HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 c1501
49. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to intervene in the trade dispute which is in existence at Messrs. Air Speed, Limited, Portsmouth, in which the men are involved through the non-application of the national differential rate?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries into the circumstances of this dispute, and he is of opinion that it is one which can only be settled by discussion between the industrial organisations concerned and that no useful purpose would be served by any intervention.

Mr. Smith

As I have put down a question to the Secretary of State for Air for Wednesday and have been informed that it has been transferred to the Minister of Labour, will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to get both parties together?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I think my answer is entirely adequate, and I am convinced that no good purpose would be served by any action on the part of the Minister of Labour.

Mr. Stephen

Has the Minister of Labour put his services at the disposal of both parties?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My answer must stand by itself.