§ 30. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Labour what representations he has made to the Trades Union Congress or to individual trade unions and to individual employers in cases where strikes have arisen or have been threatened because individual workmen have worked with exceptional energy and zeal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir W. MoncktonNone, Sir. There have been very few instances in recent years where it has been alleged that strikes have taken place or been threatened for the reason stated in the Question.
§ Mr. GowerWhile appreciating that this is a delicate problem, may I ask if my right hon. and learned Friend does not agree that tendencies of this kind, one or two of which have been recently reported, may be very injurious to the national interest?
§ Sir W. MoncktonOne is always anxious to see tendencies of the kind suggested in the Question avoided, but it is not easy to say whether an allegation of that sort is proved or not. There has been only one case since I have been Minister of Labour, and I have not found it necessary to take any steps in this direction.
§ Mr. RobensWould not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that he has had the utmost co-operation from the trade union movement generally during his term of office?
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, and, if I may add, from the right hon. Gentleman.