HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc546-7
6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister ofLabour if he will recommend a short-term settlement of the dispute in the engineering and shipbuilding industry based upon a substantial increase in wages to be made restrospective, the restoration of the pre-1931 basis for piece-work calculation of earnings, and a special advance for the highly-skilled craftsmen, pending the appointment of a court of inquiry who shall issue a report which shall form the basis for negotiating a long-term settlement.

Mr. Watkinson

No, Sir. The basis of payment of workers in the engineering industry is a matter for the employers' organisations and trade unions concerned.

Mr. Pannell

On a point of order. With great respect, Mr. Speaker, do we understand that, on a fundamental question such as the one raised in this Question, no supplementary questions are to be permitted?

Mr. Speaker

I had my eye on the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith), who nodded and did not seem to want to ask one.

Mr. Ellis Smith

The answer completely knocked me out.

Mr. Speaker

Perhaps that will suffice also for the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Pannell).