HC Deb 21 January 1943 vol 386 c272
22. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that negotiations between the Association of Engineering and Shipbuilding Draughtsmen and Messrs. Drysdale and Company have been proceeding for four months without a satisfactory agreement being reached; whether he has considered the letter sent him by the workmen; and what action he proposes to take to bring these negotiations to an expeditious and satisfactory conclusion?

Mr. Bevin

The matter in question was only brought to the notice of the Department this week in a letter dated 16th January, from the men concerned, and the Department is now in touch with their trade union.

Mr. Kirkwood

In the event of the men not being satisfied with these negotiations, is the Minister prepared to go into the matter in order to try and ease the strain which exists in this particular works?

Mr. Bevin

I am not prepared to go outside the policy we have laid down of dealing with the executives of the unions and the federations.