HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 cc2216-7
45. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now make a statement about the causes of the Billingsgate strike.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour(Mr. Ness Edwards)

I understand that the primary cause of the stoppage was the objection on the part of certain employees of the Corporation of London to the promotion of a constable at Billingsgate Market to the rank of sergeant.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Parliamentary Secretary confirm or deny the report that the objection to the market sergeant was that he tried to stop the improper expansion of the fish porters' perquisite of free fish? Mr. Ness Edwards: No, I cannot confirm that. I can say that this incident was associated with a number of other alleged grievances. The matter is still the subject of negotiation. No general settlement has been arrived at in connection with any of the associated problems, and I would be obliged if I was not pressed to say any more about the matter.