HC Deb 22 October 1942 vol 383 cc2071-2
3. Mr. Maxton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has completed his inquiry into the causes of the shipbuilding strike on the Tyneside; and whether he can inform the House as to the findings?

Mr. McCorquodale

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the organisations concerned on both sides and would prefer not to make any further statement at present.

Mr. Maxton

Do I understand that this stoppage was against the wishes of the organisation concerned? Does the Minister intend to make a proper inquiry into the grievances of a large body of men who struck against the wishes of then-union? Will he consult somebody other than the leaders of the organisation?

Mr. McCorquodale

I have nothing to add to my reply.

Mr. Maxton

But does the hon. Gentleman realise that that is rather a scurvy way of dealing with some tens of thousands of men whose method of working compares favourably with that of any body of workers in this country? Does it mean that, with another Parliamentary Recess coming, we are to have no answer at all, and does he realise that this matter has aroused considerable interest on Tyneside?

Mr. David Adams

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that deep-seated grievances in the matter of wages were not attended to for months?