HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc8-10
14. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that firms in the north-west region are, as a result of a dock strike at Manchester, already having difficulties with their raw material supplies which are imported through this port, and that unless the strike is brought to a speedy end there is a possibility of some unemployment; and what steps he is taking to end the strike which has now been going on for some considerable time.

Mr. Lee

I am aware that some difficulties of this kind have arisen in the north-western region; seven workers have had to be discharged by one firm and some 30 were laid off for 10 days by another. No serious unemployment has so far resulted however, although several of the cargoes held up are urgently wanted.

I feel it is in the men's interest to state the true nature of this strike. It is a repudiation of an agreement entered into on their behalf by their accredited trade union representatives. Continuation of the stoppage will only weaken the constitutional machinery that has served the men so well in the past, and I would urge them not to inflict unnecessary hardship on themselves, their families and the community. They should return to work and let the joint machinery deal with any questions arising.

Mr. W. Fletcher

In view of the fact that the pattern of this strike, as described by the Minister, is almost universal in strikes of this character in the country, is it not time that the Government started to intervene, as they eventually have to do, very much earlier? Is it not also true that this strike is jeopardising employment and causing great delay and is it not time that the Minister, instead of giving a lecture, took some action?

Mr. Lee

I do not know whether the hon. Member is advocating that all types of agreements as betwen trade unions and employers should be subject to the discretion of the Minister or not. To ask for that would be a serious matter. If this strike were continued it would jeopardise employment prospects for people in other industries. I hope that so far as this Government are concerned we shall not intervene in a question of the abrogation of an agreement entered into between trade unions and employers.

Mrs. Braddock

Has my hon. Friend had a copy of the special statement just issued by the men? If not, will he obtain a copy and see whether some of the points raised are not legitimate ones by which the Ministry of Labour might again look into the situation?

Mr. Lee

I have seen the statement to which my hon. Friend refers, and I know that there are in it two complete contradictions. It is suggested that the Ministry of Labour should intervene, but the statement also asks for the abolition of the very order under which we could intervene.

Mr. J. R. Bevins

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the unofficial strike leaders in Manchester are now trying to spread the strike to other parts, and in view of the findings of the Leggett Committe, recently published, what action does the Minister propose to take?

Mr. Lee

I have already answered the point. We cannot at this stage intervene.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will the Parliamentary Secretary confirm whether there are any foodstuffs involved in these ships?

Mr. Lee

I cannot answer that without notice.