§ 60. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the employers' side of the National Joint Industrial Council of the hosiery trade, having failed to negotiate an agreement with the National Union of Hosiery Workers to replace the Essential Work Order, have requested that the dispute should come be fore the National Arbitration Tribunal, but the hosiery workers' executive, instead, are taking a ballot and recommending a strike; and what action he proposes to take in this matter before there is a stoppage in the industry.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware of the difference which has arisen on the National Joint Industrial Council of the Hosiery Trade, and of the subsequent developments. I have invited the parties to attend a meeting under the auspices of my Department to consider the best means of securing a satisfactory solution of their difficulties.
§ Mr. OsborneDoes the Minister agree that it is very regrettable that strike action should be taken before the National Arbitration Tribunal sits, and will he do his best to get the strike notices withdrawn before its meeting?
§ Mr. IsaacsStrike notices have not yet been tendered. The strike ballot has not yet been taken.