§ 53. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to bring to an end the dispute between two trades unions as to whose members shall load coal mine refuse at Blyth, Northumberland, pending settlement of which dispute a new £50,000 conveyor belt system has been kept idle for seven weeks.
§ Mr. CarrMy right hon. Friend is aware of this dispute, and negotiations are in progress between the parties. My Department has not been asked to intervene.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWould not it be possible, in the interests of all concerned, to avoid these very wasteful stoppages by ensuring that the members of one particular union started the work pending—and entirely without prejudice to—any later decision through the demarcation machinery?
§ Mr. CarrWe all deplore stoppages of this kind, but I must maintain what has been stated many times before, namely, that negotiation within the industry is the best way of settling disputes of this kind —and that is in progress. My Department is always ready to help if the parties feel that it can give such assistance.