HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 cc1615-6
Mr. Cluse

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a trade dispute is still in being at an Islington firm of engineers, Messrs. Nuckey, Scotts; that labour is being supplied to them by the exchanges of his Department; that the A.E.U. have recognised the dispute, which has been in operation for fourteen weeks, on the ground that the firm have never fully implemented the terms of the fair wages resolutions; and if he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the conditions obtaining in this firm, which is on the Government list of contractors.

Mr. Isaacs

I am aware of the existence of this dispute and officers in my Department have, from the outset, maintained close contact with the parties. I am assured that workers submitted to the firm through the employment exchange service have, in all cases, in accordance with current instructions, been informed of the existence of the dispute. As regards the third and fourth parts of the Question, I have received no complaint on behalf of the union that the terms of the fair wages resolution ate not being observed by the firm in any particular respect.

Mr. Cluse

Are the exchange officials informed as to whether the fair wages resolution is in operation in firms to which labour is being sent.

Mr. Isaacs

The exchange officials would not have before them information which would entitle them to decide whether the fair wages resolution was or was not carried out. That is a matter which, under the Act, must be decided by arbitration, but in this case we are in contact with the union and we have been endeavouring to get the union and the firm to meet. We are drawing their attention to the regulation relating to the fair wages clause and the steps to be taken to decide questions under it.

Mr. William Shepherd

Is it not a fact that the men engaged in this factory were very happy in their employment, that the six men responsible for the strike were Communists who came in only three months ago, and is not this an example of how the Communist Party are trying to disrupt the nation?

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Minister seriously consider having this firm and firms like it specified when they refuse to recognise the trade union?

Mr. Erie Fletcher

Would the Minister give an assurance that before any applicants at the exchanges are sent to this firm, they are told that an official strike is in progress.

Mr. Isaacs

I am very anxious categorically to deny statements that are being circulated about the present case, but when an application is made to the exchange by a worker who asks for a job, he is informed that there is a strike in progress. We cannot do any more.