§ 47. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he can give a full report on the consultations that have taken place between representative people over the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Act; and what action it is proposed to take?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government cannot make themselves responsible for reporting to the House upon discussions of this character.
§ Mr. SmithIn view of the action taken indirectly by the Government, can the Prime Minister state the Government's intentions with a view to dealing with the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly could not make a statement on Government policy in reply to a supplementary on a matter which raises many large, far-reaching, and even delicate issues.
§ Mr. SmithIn view of the way this has been handled, can the Prime Minister give an assurance that consideration will be given to the matter by the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterConsideration is always given by the Government to every matter, especially to those which seem to have a bearing on the general march of national cohesion and unity.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonAre we to understand that legislation on the subject would be non-contentious?
§ The Prime MinisterConsideration in no way implies conclusion.