§ 2. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make a statement on the inquiry into the four-day strike at a North-west factory, the name of which has been previously supplied?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)The report of the committee of investigation makes it clear that the industrial relations of the factory are based upon full trade union co-operation and 2126 that appropriate machinery is established for avoiding disputes at the works. The machinery has, however, not functioned as well as it might have done in the past, and small incidents have been allowed to grow into disputes. The immediate question at issue which led to the stoppage of work was the continued employment of an under-foreman, and the committee expressed the opinion that the foreman had not been guilty of any conduct which justified his removal. It is not proposed to publish the report, but copies have been sent to the company and to all the trade unions concerned, for their consideration. I have every hope that as a result of this and of the very full and complete exchange of views that took place in the course of the inquiry, the future position will be considerably improved.