§ 26. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the merchant seamen recently on strike were assured by the Shipping Federation, Mersey District, that there would be no victimisation on return to work; that, despite this, Mr. T. Comeford, 17, Eldon Place, Liverpool, and Mr. P. Hall, 7, Eldon Street, Liverpool, though categorised as very good in their discharges, have been refused re-registration; and what action he is taking as the result of the dispute which is likely to arise as a result of their discharge and consequent call up for military service.
§ Sir W. MoncktonAccording to my information, the Shipping Federation gave no assurance in any form that all the merchant seamen who took part in the recent unofficial strike would be re-engaged. I am further informed that these two men did not receive a very good marking for their discharge from the "Saxonia" and the "Empress of Australia," respectively. I am not aware of the likelihood of a dispute arising in the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LoganIs the Minister aware that his goodly offices were used a fortnight ago to get this strike in Liverpool settled, and that an advertisement was issued in the Press by the Federation that if the men would return there would be no victimisation? Is he also aware that the telegraphic address is given as "Nemesis," which, I understand, means the Goddess of Vengeance, which is now being put into operation against these men? Surely the Minister ought to be able to make provision for men who had good characters up to the strike, and will he use his influence with the Federation to have these men brought back and have prosperity restored to the port of Liverpool?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am not saying one word against the character of the two men at all, but I am sure the hon. Member appreciates that I can only defer them if they are in the Merchant Navy. It is as if somebody said to me, "I should like to be an underground miner. Will you therefore defer me?" This is a question of fact—is he or is he not?—and I cannot decide it.
§ Mr. MahonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the unsatisfactory state of labour conditions on the waterfront at Merseyside, and will he therefore realise that activity of this sort is not conducive to a return to normality?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am hoping that things are improving on Merseyside, but I do not want to enter into that now.
§ Mr. LoganI am sorry to prolong this questioning, but I am anxious to see whether the Minister cannot again use his good offices in Liverpool to avoid what I am sure will happen if his advice is not given, namely, another strike? Could it not be done.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe hon. Gentleman is asking me whether there is anything I can do about it. I can assure him I shall carefully watch the situation in Merseyside, and if I think there is some action which I could usefully take, I shall take it.
§ Mr. RobensIn view of the statement made by my hon. Friend, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman not consider making some representations to the merchant shippers concerned with a view to reviewing the position of these two men in the interests of the industry?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI will take into account what the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friend have said and consider what action, if any, I ought to take.