HC Deb 22 June 1948 vol 452 cc1127-8
48. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Prime Minister what Ministers, other than the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Food, have been engaged in efforts to settle the Dock Strike; and what Minister is responsible for directing and co-ordinating Government action in large-scale disputes of this kind which affect national welfare.

The Prime Minister

All Questions of industrial relations are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. Any other Questions arising as a result of industrial disputes are dealt with by the appropriate Ministers, co-ordination of action being secured as necessary by the normal machinery of government.

Mr. Stewart

In view of the widespread effects of the present strike, can we have an assurance that the Cabinet regard it as their duty as a Cabinet to take some direct interest in the settlement of the strike and the care of food and so on?

The Prime Minister

Certainly.

Mrs. Braddock

Does the Prime Minister consider that it is showing a full sense of public responsibility when neither the Minister of Labour nor his Parliamentary Secretary was available at the Ministry's offices in London on Saturday morning, when I wanted to talk to either, on matters affecting dockers generally in the country and I was compelled to speak to a civil servant?