§ 5. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Labour why he has delayed several weeks before calling a conference to investigate the reasons for the "go-slow" tactics in Smithfield Market.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe hon. Member misunderstands the position. The "go-slow" tactics were abandoned by the men following a meeting on 11th October last and arrears of distribution have been cleared since. The issue of the 6d. meat bonus in London, however, still remains in dispute. It is in relation to that difficulty that I have appointed a Committee of Investigation following an unsuccessful conference which an officer of my Department held with the parties on 1st November.
§ Mr. GammansThe fact is that the people of London have not got their meat. Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that his primary duty and responsibility is not to any trade union but to the people of London, and has he not sufficient powers to see that this meat is actually distributed to them?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe fact is that the hon. Gentleman has not got his facts right. [Interruption.] Give me a chance to answer. The fact is that my Department made contact with the parties in this dispute, and within four days arranged a conference. That conference was unsuccessful. Then within seven days of the start of the dispute we had arranged a series of meetings under one of our conciliation officers, and it was one of those meetings that led to the "go-slow" dispute ending. With regard to the bonus, we brought the parties together as soon as the other matter was cleared out of the way, and I am hopeful that the board of inquiry will reach a satisfactory solution.
§ Mr. MellishIs it not true that when the amount of meat in the market was reduced, something like 30 per cent. of the men were discharged and that when the meat was increased, the men, quite rightly, asked for the staff to be increased to do the job, or for increased payment and that the employers, taking the attitude which they usually do in these matters, did not give them either? When we are talking about this matter we should not overlook that it involves the employers too.
§ Mr. IsaacsThose are some of the allegations made against one side or the other for which we found no real foundation, and we have appointed the committtee of inquiry to ascertain the real facts.
§ Commander NobleCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects this inquiry to report? As the Minister of Food told us yesterday, the meat is there and its delivery is awaiting the report.
§ Mr. IsaacsJudging by experience of similar committees of inquiry on matters of this kind, I should not be surprised if it reported to me immediately after it has ascertained the facts.
§ Mr. Peter ThorneycroftIs not the principal and most important fact that the Minister of Food has on many occasions promised the bonus to the people of London and that he is unable to deliver it on account of the action of the Smithfield porters who are holding a Minister of the Crown up to a greater degree of ridicule and contempt than would otherwise be the case?
§ Mr. IsaacsAs I have said before, I am not prepared to accept the view that all the blame is on the men.
§ Mr. GallacherIt cannot be blamed on the Communists.