HC Deb 22 June 1944 vol 401 cc321-2
1. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Labour, how many strikes have taken place, and in what industries, since 6th June; for what reasons they occurred; and whether they have been satisfactorily settled.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

In the fortnight beginning 6th June, in industries other than coalmining, apart from one stoppage which ended on that date, there were nine stoppages which began and ended during the period, after lasting one, two, or three days, and five stoppages which began during the period and were still unsettled at the end. Rather more than r,000 workers were involved in total. Seven of the stoppages were concerned with a claim for wages in one form or another; seven were due to sympathy with a worker who had been dismissed or suspended or had a wages grievance, and one was concerned with the manning of a job. As regards coal-mining, my hon. and gallant Friend should address his inquiry to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Sir T. Moore

If these strikes are unofficial, as I assume they are, can my right hon. Friend account for this sabotage of our war effort?

Mr. Bevin

I hope that this matter will not get out of proportion. If there were 1,000 stopped, there were 24,900,000 working.

Mr. Molson

Has the Minister of Labour no responsibility for what happens in the case of the coalmining industry?

Mr. Bevin

Disputes in coalmining are handled, under the Coalmines Act, by the Minister of Fuel and Power.