HC Deb 12 March 1953 vol 512 cc1487-8
19. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the loss of production and economic dislocation as a result of the strike of vehicle builders at the Austin motor works; of the economic distress caused to workers not involved in the strike; and what action he intends to take in order to help effect a settlement in this trade dispute.

Sir W. Monckton

Yes, Sir. There has been a partial stoppage of work at the Austin Motor Company, Longbridge, since 17th February as a result of the strike of about 2,300 vehicle builders. According to my latest information the number of other workers laid off at Austin's is slightly less than 6,000, which is some hundreds fewer than it was a week ago, as the company have been able to re-engage a number of workers who had previously been stood off. The partial stoppage has also led to some suspensions of labour and short-time working in some of the firms supplying components. My Department will continue to keep itself closely informed of the position.

Mr. Chapman

Has it not been traditional for the Minister of Labour to offer his good offices when both sides need to be got together in order to find a solution to a strike? Is he aware that in this case it is rather urgent that he should do so because there are many thousands of families now affected by this strike, and yet the men laid off are not actually taking part in it? Why does he not offer his good offices to try to get the two sides round the table?

Sir W. Monckton

I agree warmly that it is very desirable that a stoppage of this sort should cease because it brings hardship to a number of people. I would also point out that I have not had a request for assistance from either side in the stoppage; and, while the services of the conciliation officers of the Ministry are always available should the parties think they would be helpful, I must take care to avoid any step which might prolong difficulties rather than shorten them.

Mr. A. Henderson

Does the Minister's reply mean that as soon as a request is received from either of the parties in this dispute, his conciliation machinery will be put into operation? Is he aware that a considerable proportion of the many thousands of workers normally employed at Austin's reside outside Birmingham throughout the Black Country and, consequently, the economic distress resulting will cover a very wide area of the Midlands?

Sir W. Monckton

I hope I made it clear that I realise the economic distress that follows from this dispute, and that I am as anxious as anyone to see this stoppage cease. What I ventured to doubt was whether my intervention would necessarily shorten the period of the stoppage. I merely said to the House that it is known that I have conciliation officers, that I have not had a request from either side to use those conciliation officers, that as soon as I get that request I will consider it, but I cannot say in advance what I shall do.

Mr. Edelman

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman recall that when a comparable stoppage took place in Coventry some years ago, his predecessor took the initiative in himself offering his services and of using his chief conciliation officer in order to bring together the two parties who then were in a state of deadlock; and in order to break through the paralysis that exists at present in the relationship of the two parties, will the Minister himself take the initiative and try to bring the parties together?

Sir W. Monckton

I think it is very dangerous—and I believe that some right hon. Gentlemen opposite would agree with me—to draw a parallel between the circumstances of one stoppage and another. I would only say in regard to this one that if at any time I thought I could usefully intervene, I should not hesitate to do so. I do not think so at the moment.