§ 15. Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the strike of London taxicab drivers; and if he will give the numbers of those still on strike.
Mr. LeeThis dispute has not been reported to my Department and, on the facts as known to me, I am advised that this is not a strike within the meaning of the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order, as the relationship between the cab proprietors and the drivers is not that of employer and employed. I have no information as to the numbers involved.
§ Mr. TaylorIs it not a fact that this is an official strike recognised by the trade union?
§ Mr. TaylorWill the Parliamentary Secretary make inquiries and find out some facts about this strike?
Mr. LeeI am quite certain that the answer I have given is the correct one, and that it does not, under the provisions of Order 1305, become a strike.
§ Sir G. Harvie-WattHas the Parliamentary Secretary not heard that this strike has been very largely brought about by Communist agitation, and has he no statement to make about that?
Mr. LeeNo, Sir. I have no information to that effect. The point of my reply is that the relationship between the cab owners and the drivers is not that of employer and employee. It is only under such conditions that we could intervene.