HC Deb 06 July 1950 vol 477 cc640-1
Mr. McCorquodale

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further statement to make about the strike of London meat drivers.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

Yes, Sir. There is no material change in the strike situation this morning. The distribution of meat and provisions continues with the help of Service personnel.

Mr. McCorquodale

Is the Minister of Labour taking every step to bring home to the men, the great majority of whom will be ordinary, decent British citizens, the consequences of their action, by which they are not only injuring their own union and causing discomfort and distress to millions of their fellow-citizens, especially the poorer people, but are engaging in strike action which finds no support in any section of this House?

Mr. Isaacs

The actual bringing home to the men of the consequences of their action is mainly in the hands of their trade union. I can do no more than to make the statements that I have made in the House from time to time, which I know have been noted but not, I am afraid, with very much effect.

Commander Noble

Is there any further change in the supply of meat and other food to London?

Mr. Isaacs

Not at the moment. We are continuing the supplies, and there is no deterioration in our programme.

Mr. Gammans

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered appealing to the patriotism of these men, to make them realise that the battle of Smithfield is closely connected with the battle of Korea and that by immobilising the British Army they are acting as the unconscious agents of Moscow?

Mr. Isaacs

Questions and answers which seem innocent, may sometimes inflame feelings, and I do not propose to take that step.

Earl Winterton

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he has done on previous occasions, pay a tribute to the discipline, good humour and most effective help given by the branches of His Majesty's Service who have been engaged in this work, in view of the fact that these people are counteracting action inspired by Communists quite as much as are their colleagues overseas?

Mr. Isaacs

The noble Lord may accept it from me that such a tribute will be very honestly and generously paid at the end of this strike, which, I hope, will be very soon.