HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 c1797
35. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to avoid the repetition of so-called guerilla strikes in future especially in those industries which affect the export trade and the development of our defence programme.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

The best method of avoiding disputes of any kind is the establishment by the parties of mutual confidence and cooperation which will enable differences to be resolved by amicable means. The services of my Department are available to the parties in all trade disputes and they will make every endeavour to bring about settlements by conciliatory means.

Sir T. Moore

Is there no way under the law of preventing these selective vendettas being carried out against individual employers and industries which have apparently incurred Communist hate?

Mr. Watkinson

I think I can best answer my hon. and gallant Friend by asking him to read the Report of the Court of Inquiry on a recent dispute. I would particularly refer him to paragraph 74 of that Report.

Mr. Robens

Is the Minister aware that he can feel assured of receiving the support of hon. Members on this side of the House against the tactics suggested by his hon. and gallant Friend?