HC Deb 06 May 1952 vol 500 cc160-1
5 and 6. Mr. Maurice Orbach

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he is aware that, following the recent dismissal of 120 workers and the threatened redundancy of a further 350 skilled and semiskilled workers, the employees of S Smith and Sons, Limited, Cricklewood. have declared a strike; and what action he proposes to take to bring this dispute to a speedy conclusion;

(2) on what date the dispute at S. Smith and Sons, Limited, Cricklewood, was reported to his Department; and what action his conciliation department have taken to bring about a settlement of the points in dispute.

Sir W. Monckton

The dispute has not been reported to my Department for conciliation action. There is, however, ample machinery within the industry for dealing with it and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to intervene.

Mr. Orbach

Does not the Minister think it deplorable that so many of these skilled workers and half of this very efficient plant which ought to be engaged in priority work are at present idle?

Sir W. Monckton

Yes, Sir, I deplore that, but there is within the industry agreed machinery for settling disputes. I understand that officials of the Association are still in contact with the district officials of the unions concerned with the object of securing a resumption of work so that the machinery may be operated.

Mr. Charles Fletcher-Cooke

In view of the fact that this firm is engaged on defence orders, among other things, has the Minister any information to show that this strike is in any way Communist inspired?

Mr. Orbach

Is not the Minister aware that an official of his Department has been in contact with the employers and the workers, but that his suggestion was so ambiguous and vague that neither side was prepared to accept it?

Sir W. Monckton

I cannot identify any officer of mine of which that could be said. We shall keep in touch, but intervention is another thing.

7. Mr. Orbach

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the need, he will set up a sub-office of his Department at S. Smith and Sons, Limited, Cricklewood, for the purpose of assisting redundant skilled and semi-skilled engineers to be transferred to other urgent employment of a national character.

Sir W. Monckton

Provisional arrangements have been made for my officers to attend at this factory to register redundant workers and to assist them to find other employment, but I understand that it has not yet been decided who are redundant.