HC Deb 29 January 1951 vol 483 cc562-3
45. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the announced Government policy that negotiations for any changes in wages and conditions of work should take place through normal trades union channels, what was the reason for his recent direct conversations with the miners' leaders.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the immediate coal situation. Any question of changes in wages and conditions of work is a matter for the normal joint negotiating machinery of the industry.

Miss Ward

Will the Prime Minister now agree to receive a representative of the men's unions from the ship repairing yards who would like to discuss their grievances, because they are doing a vital job and they would like to put their point of view before the Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister

I am always ready to receive representatives of the workers, when I am requested to.