HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 cc1393-4
49. Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Messrs. Langley Alloys, Limited, of Slough, have infringed trade union agreements and procedure and have thus provoked a strike of 250 workers; and, as this firm has been executing orders of good quality products for buyers in Holland, Belgium and Switzerland, if he will take all necessary steps to see that the workers resume work with proper trade union conditions and safeguards.

Mr. Isaacs

My Department is in touch with the parties and efforts are being made to find a basis on which work can be resumed.

Mr. Benn Levy

Could my right hon. Friend say whether or not this firm have disregarded the procedure enjoined for arbitration, and if they have done so, whether the trade unions are automatically released from the obligation to observe unilaterally a procedure which the other side have disregarded?

Mr. Isaacs

I would hesitate to be involved in this, but let me say that if hon. Members would leave the trade unions and the employers organisations to handle these things it would be a much easier way to get a settlement.

Mr. Levy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the question I asked was not one of detail in regards to a trade union dispute but a matter of broad and important principle, involving the responsibility of all the Members of this House?

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