HC Deb 20 October 1949 vol 468 cc753-4
45. Mr. Osborne

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the damage to our economic recovery caused by unofficial strikes, he will set up a Royal Commission to inquire what improvements could be made in trades union organisation to prevent these unofficial strikes and to make recommendations.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Mr. Osborne

Does the answer mean that the Prime Minister is entirely satisfied with the working of the trades union organisation as it is today, or that he regards unofficial strikes as of no importance?

Mr. Morrison

I should be surprised if I found any one completely satisfied with the working of anything; that would be far too sweeping. We think that this is not a matter where an inquiry would provide a solution. It obviously is a matter for the discipline and internal organisation of the trade unions themselves in relation to some of their members, and it can only be dealt with effectively in that way.