§ 31. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Labour how long the official strike at Motor Panels, Ltd., Coventry, has lasted; and what steps he has taken to bring about a settlement.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI understand that II welders ceased work on 29th January. Four of these were subsequently discharged by the firm as redundant, and a further 180 workers ceased work in sympathy but resumed work on 23rd February. Efforts by this Department to assist in resolving the difficulty were unfortunately unsuccessful, and the dispute was referred to the National Arbitration Tribunal. The award of the Tribunal has not yet been issued.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn view of the damage done to all concerned in this protracted strike, which has gone on for nearly six months, will my right hon. Friend do something to speed up the machinery of conciliation?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe National Arbitration Tribunal is an independent body. It has been set up with powers passed by this House, not during the period of this Government but previously; it is a completely independent body, and it is not supposed to be interfered with by the Government or anyone else. That is the difficulty, but I have had inquiries made about this to see if we can help.
§ Mr. McCorquodaleAm I to understand that the Minister objects to the fact that the Tribunal is an independent body?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir. All I said was that this House would object to any interference by anyone in the work of that Tribunal.