HC Deb 30 November 1948 vol 458 cc1789-90
9. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Minister of Labour what was the estimated loss to the country during the last three years, in man-hours and in value, caused by shipping strikes; and how this compares with the estimated loss for a comparable period after the 1914–18 world war.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of days lost by industrial disputes involving stoppage of work by seagoing employees of shipping companies reported to my Department in the period from V.E. Day to the end of October was 1,000. The figure for the corresponding period after the first war was 140,000. It is not possible to estimate the loss in man-hours and value.

Mr. Blackburn

May I ask the Minister to make sure that these and comparable figures, which show the wonderful record of this country in this respect, are given publicity?

Vice-Admiral Taylor

May I ask the Minister what steps the Government have taken to stop these unofficial strikes?

Mr. Isaacs

We have tried to stop the causes which give rise to them.

14. Major Bruce

asked the Minister of Labour how many working days have been lost through industrial disputes since the end of the last war; and how many were lost during the comparable period after the 1914–18 war.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of days lost through industrial disputes causing stoppage of work from V.E. Day to the end of October, 1948, was 8½ million. The days lost in the corresponding period after the 1914–18 war were 157½ million.

Major Bruce

Does not my right hon. Friend think that these figures reflect very great credit on the country as a whole, and will he see that copies of these figures are supplied to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill)?

Mr. Isaacs

I think it is proper to say that these figures reflect credit on those engaged in industry in this country in bringing about such good industrial relationships that they are able to adjust matters without so many disputes.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, in both instances, what were the percentages of unofficial and official strikes?

Mr. Isaacs

I have already indicated in a previous answer that we have no information which enables us to differentiate between the two.