HC Deb 18 December 1945 vol 417 c1101
38. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when a strike occurs in any industry, he will have the origins investigated by the C.I.D., with a view to determining whether it has been incited by subversive influences; and whether there has been any breach of the law.

Mr. Isaacs

I would not accept the view that strikes in general are due to subversive influences. The normal machinery for enforcement of the law is sufficient to deal with any illegal acts that may be committed, and no special action on my part is necessary to ensure that all proper cases are investigated.

Mr. Marlowe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread concern that many honest workmen are being unduly affected by sinister and possibly alien influences against their own interests?

Mr. Isaacs

We should be very grateful if the hon. and learned Gentleman would let us have particulars of any such cases.

Captain Blackburn

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that the Labour Government believe in the industrial freedom of the worker, including the right to strike, and will resist bitterly any authoritarian proposals of this nature?