§ 23. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the total amount involved in the strike of boilermakers in Bristol, who have been out for a month, is only £4 2s. 6d.; and if he will make a further attempt to settle this dispute.
Mr. LeeI am informed that one of the two questions in dispute has now been resolved and that agreement has been reached between the parties to discuss the outstanding question immediately work has been resumed. It is hoped that work will be resumed tomorrow.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that the secondary cause of the dispute was the refusal of the men to use a ladder which did not conform with the regulations, and will he see that in future an inspector is there to ensure that the regulations are carried out? Is he further aware that during the month the men have lost £1,600 wages as a result of this strike?
Mr. LeeI do not want to comment now on this particular dispute. I think that we are nearing the end of the dispute. I hope that it will end tomorrow.