HC Deb 17 June 1947 vol 438 cc1776-8
30. Mr. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Ladywood can expect a reply to his letter dated 3rd February, regarding the consistent refusal of his Department in Palestine to recognise workers' trade unions; if he is aware that a one day strike of the workers concerned, numbering 40,000, occurred on 20th May; and what action he has taken to settle the dispute.

Mr. Bellenger

I am sorry, but it is not yet possible to give a final reply to my hon. Friend because discussions are still in progress with the authorities in Palestine regarding the possibility of recognising for negotiation purposes the workers' trade unions in that country. The problem is not one for the War Office alone, but requires careful examination by all the United Kingdom Government Departments concerned; but I can give an assurance that delay in reaching a decision will not be longer than is unavoidable. The local military authorities are fully aware of, and in fact fulfil, their obligation to receive, discuss and consider any representations made by these unions on behalf of their members in War Department employment. I have heard of the one-day strike to which my hon. Friend refers, but do not know whether it was due entirely to the non-recognition of the workers' unions or to other causes.

Mr. Yates

Is the Secretary of State aware that the working conditions of these men are very much worse than those prevailing in private employment and also in the service of Government Departments outside Palestine in neighbouring countries? Is it reasonable to expect a reply to a letter sent four months ago?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir; certainly. If my hon. Friend has not received a reply, I will look into the matter. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, conditions in Palestine, as regards workers, are different from conditions in this country, inasmuch as there is much more intensive competition for work there. I am afraid there are very few trade union organisations to represent those men.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, apart from the military authorities in Palestine, what other authorities there are with whom he can negotiate?

Mr. Bellenger

It is not only a question of those employed by the War Department. Naturally, there are also other Government Departments involved.

Mr. George Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend try to bring to an end these annoying delays that take place in his Department? When they occur, could he arrange to have interim messages sent to hon. Members, who are often put to great inconvenience by the delays in his Department?

Mr. Bellenger

There is not the delay which my hon. Friend represents. Actually my hon. Friend wrote to me on 3rd February, and he withdrew his question on the understanding that we would let him have a report as soon as we could; but I am bound to tell the House that these negotiations are so complicated, and involve a number of other Government Departments, that an early decision will not be possible.

Mr. Janner

In view of the fact that these unions provide a very good opportunity for co-operation between the Arab and Jewish populations in Palestine, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to encourage the unions to extend their activities as much as possible?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir, but there are Jews and Arabs in Palestine, and that is part of the difficulty.

Mr. Yates

I am not aware that I have withdrawn any Question. May I ask for information on this? I understand from the reply of the Secretary of State that he is not yet in a position to reply to my letter. I am referring to a letter which I sent on the 3rd February. Is it not reasonable to expect a reply to that letter by now?

Mr. Bellenger

May I ask my hon. Friend to have a word with me afterwards?

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