HC Deb 14 July 1949 vol 467 c663
66. Mr. Thomas Braddock

asked the Minister of Labour if the London Dock employers reported, as required in Order S.R. & O., 1940, No. 1305, that a trade dispute existed or was apprehended, either before or after they refused on 24th June to engage stevedore labour on newly arrived ships.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General in the Debate yesterday.

Mr. Braddock

Is the Minister not aware that that answer was quite unsatisfactory; and that apparently it would lead the House to believe that all the possibilities of settling this dispute by negotiation were not taken advantage of by the employers before they took the disastrous action they did take, and which precipitated the unfortunate situation which exists?

Mr. Ness Edwards

I do not accept the view expressed by my hon. Friend. All the information he asks for in his Question was given to him yesterday.