HC Deb 23 September 1948 vol 456 cc1082-3
52. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the result of the National Coal Board's consideration of the question of the institution of the closed shop throughout the mining industry.

Mr. Isaacs

This is one of the matters which fall to be decided between the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean by that answer that the Government disinterest themselves from a subject of this importance both as a precedent for the future and as affecting the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of men? Have the Government no attitude and no policy on this question?

Mr. Isaacs

The Government's attitude has been stated from time to time and still remains. The Government leave negotiations as to relationship in industry to the partners in industry.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what is to be the position of those men who are directed, induced, or otherwise persuaded to go into the coal industry, because it is largely his responsibility and not that of the Coal Board nor of the National Union of Mineworkers?

Mr. Isaacs

That is a hypothetical question which, no doubt, we shall answer when it arises.

Mr. Langford-Holt

It is a question, is it not, which the hon. Gentleman will have to face now and in the future?

Mr. Isaacs

When it arises I will face it.