HC Deb 05 July 1955 vol 543 cc952-3
47. Mr. Osborne

asked the Prime Minister if he will give an estimate of the approximate total cost to the nation of the recent railway, dock and coal mining strikes; and if he will use the Central Office of Information to emphasise the economic folly of strikes.

The Prime Minister

Not even an approximate estimate of the total cost of the strikes can usefully be attempted, at all events for some time. It is known, however, that they caused the loss of about two million working days by the men on strike and that certain of our major exporting industries have been seriously affected. Their ill-effects have already been made known in debate in this House.

Mr. Osborne

Would the Prime Minister inquire into the precedents established by the late Sir Stafford Cripps during the economic crisis of 1947–49, when he used the Central Office of Information to put the seriousness of the situation to the public? Will he see whether similar steps could not now be taken?

The Prime Minister

Of course, I look at any precedents there may be.