HC Deb 01 July 1949 vol 466 cc1747-9

4.1 p.m.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a further statement regarding the position on the railways.

In discussion on Wednesday night last, representatives of the Executive of the National Union of Railwaymen informed officers of my Department that the decision of the special delegate meeting of the previous day was not intended to break off negotiations with the Railway Executive, and further that the executive of the union would be able to suspend the decision if they felt in certain circumstances that that course was justified, having regard to the views of their members.

At a further discussion last night, following the deadlock in the negotiations between the Railway Executive and the unions, it was pointed out on my behalf to the representatives of the executive of the National Union of Railwaymen that that part of the resolution that required the operation of the decision as from midnight 3rd-4th July constituted an immediate threat of action and while it remained I could not consider lending the services of my Department to assist the parties in reaching a mutually satisfactory settlement. I have now received from the executive of the National Union of Railwaymen the following resolutions: That having heard the report of our representatives who attended the meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Labour, we decide to suspend the decision of the Special General Meeting of 28th June, 1949, to facilitate consideration by the Minister of the present situation. The General Secretary to inform Sir Robert Gould of our decision and that since no terms of reference can be agreed by us for submission of our claim to the Railway Staff National Tribunal, we express the hope that the Minister will find himself able to take very early action to assist in resolving this dispute. Further, every effort to be made by this Executive Committee to secure an early settlement and a formal report to be given to the Annual General Meeting on Monday, 4th July, 1949. In the circumstances I have consulted the Railway Executive and the other unions and also Sir John Forster, Chairman of the Railway Staff National Tribunal, as to the constitutional procedure provided for under the agreements in the industry. It is now clear that there is no provision in the agreements that compels the parties to arbitration, and both the Railway Executive and the National Union of Railwaymen consider that the machinery has now been exhausted.

Accordingly, I have come to the conclusion that there is no constitutional obstacle to my intervention in the present dispute and I am sure the House will wish me to use to the full the powers that Parliament has given me to enable me to take such action as seems necessary and desirable to assist the parties towards a settlement.

May I add a word on another matter in which the House is interested, namely, the question of food supplies becoming endangered as a result of the stoppage of work in the London Docks. I have just been informed that on it being discovered in the Royal Docks that a consignment of fruit in one of the sheds was in danger of deteriorating, four gangs of volunteers were immediately forthcoming in order that it could be handled without delay. The House will, I am sure, appreciate the regard for the public interest which this incident demonstrates.

Mr. McCorquodale (Epsom)

I am sure the whole House will be glad to know that the serious threat of trouble, which has been lying over the country from the railwaymen, has for the time being disappeared, and we wish the Minister every success in his handling of this matter. I trust we shall not have any recurrence.

Mr. Champion (Derby, Southern)

I feel sure that this announcement will be received with profound relief by the men concerned. They would have had to put this decision of the union into operation. While they are extremely anxious to put right what occurs to them to be an injustice, and are prepared to take the measures indicated in the union's decision, nevertheless, they have no desire to place this country in jeopardy, as indeed that decision might do. I am hoping that the Minister's efforts will lead to a settlement, which will bring justice and prevent the difficulties which would be consequent upon the carrying out of the decision of the union.