§ 45. Sir John Mellorasked the Prime Minister whether he will now arrange for the responsibility for discipline in the coal industry, which is divided between the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Fuel and Power, to be entrusted fully to one Ministry or the other.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. MellorBut do not the facts prove that new methods of securing discipline are long overdue.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is really very helpful to embark upon That now. I do not think you could have more careful and resolute attention being paid to the matter, than that which is now forthcoming from the Ministers in charge. The influence of the great trade unions is one of the utmost consequence in all matters of industrial peace. I really should deprecate trying to give piecemeal answers.
§ Sir J. MellorWhile quite agreeing with what my right hon. Friend has said, is it not a fact that the Minister of Fuel and Power is responsible for investigation and recommendation and that the Minis- 2170 ter of Labour is responsible for taking action upon such recommendations? Is not this procedure unnecessarily cumbrous and dilatory.
§ The Prime MinisterI think it is the most convenient that you could possibly have. As a matter of fact, these two Ministers are almost constantly together in this matter.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes not the Prime Minister think that when men are in a mood such as they are in now the best way is to get them together, talk to them and persuade them.
§ Mr. R. J TaylorIs it not a fact that no nation has ever got so far into a war as we have, with the help of the trade unions in this country, so successfully.
§ The Prime MinisterI consider their record is a very fine one, and I earnestly hope it is not going to be upset.