§ 11. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider issuing a regulation declaring all unofficial strikes to be illegal for the next six months or until the economic and financial crisis in which the country is now involved is over.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo regulation is necessary as these strikes are already illegal.
§ Sir T. MooreIf these strikes are illegal, why are they allowed?
§ Mr. IsaacsThey happen before we can prevent them.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainShould the Minister not first make regulations about the parasites who live on unearned income and are on a permanent unofficial strike?
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us in how many unofficial strikes has legal action been taken against the leaders or anyone taking part in such strikes?
§ Mr. IsaacsI cannot give a definite answer without notice, but I cannot recall any.
Vice-Admiral TaylorWill the right hon. Gentleman take the action which can be taken against these men who start unofficial strikes?
§ Mr. IsaacsCircumstances in these cases are examined, but sometimes it is found that by taking precipitate action we might extend the trouble.
16. Major Lloydasked the Minister of Labour under what authority a trade union or branch of a trade union disqualify men who have refused to strike unofficially from participating in any voluntary fund and retain sums already paid by such men into the fund.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe position depends upon the rules of the unions, over which I have no control.
Major LloydIs it not the case that the Minister has to shut his eyes and do nothing about the grossest victimisation of individuals who refuse to take part in unofficial strikes and who have their voluntary rights prejudiced by their comrades in the union?
§ Mr. IsaacsI have had no examples of that kind given to me, and if the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any, I shall be glad to look at them, but so far as I know no trade union, as a trade union, has acted in such a way. I am under the impression that some branches improperly brought pressure to bear, and in those cases the head office of the union promptly took action to the contrary. I know of no rules to permit of such action being taken, and we should consider such action, if taken, most improper.
Major LloydI appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's reply, and according to my information it is 100 per cent. correct, but the fact remains that the union's action, which coincides with the Minister's reply, is unable to be effective.
§ Mr. IsaacsIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman would be good enough to give me particulars, I will promise to make a full investigation.