HC Deb 14 December 1948 vol 459 cc1025-7
Mr. J. Langford-Holt (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give a further statement on the strike position at Euston Station.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

As reported in the Press, the Railway Executive have issued a notice that unless the staff on strike report for duty today their services will be regarded as having terminated. The final position cannot be assessed today until all shifts have started.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any suspicion or indication of Communist influence in this strike, and what steps the Government are proposing to take to restore immediately and completely the public service which is being held up at this time?

Mr. Isaacs

At the moment the matter is being handled between the representatives of the union and the Railway Executive. I think it is only right that the House should be informed that the Railway Executive made it known that if the strikers would go back and if the man concerned, Rice, would accept the duty No. 59, they would be prepared to listen to any representations Rice might wish to make. The union regarded this as most reasonable. At the moment I understand that quite a number of men have returned to work, but until the evening shift reports for duty it is impossible to say. We hope their return to work will enable the arrears of goods to be cleared without imposing any further difficulties.

Mr. McCorquodale

Will the right hon. Gentleman take note that this is yet another serious unofficial strike in a nationalised industry?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. We take note of that, but I would ask the House also to take note that a great number of the unofficial strikes have been outside the socialised industries.

Mr. Langford-Holt

The right hon. Gentleman expressed the hope that a large resumption of work would take place today. In the absence of a large resumption, will he answer my question of what steps the Government propose to take to restore the public service?

Mr. Isaacs

I can assure the House that I am in contact with my colleague the Minister of Transport with a view to ensuring that the public services shall not be impeded.