§ 29. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the dock strike at Poole.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThis strike, which is unofficial, arises from a claim by dockers employed at Poole for improved terms when they are transferred to work at Southampton. Joint discussions on the claim were proceeding through the negotiating machinery of the industry, but these have been suspended until the men resume work.
§ Captain PilkingtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in addition to the grievances which have been responsible for the strike, other grievances are very strongly felt by these dockers? Will he 1384 consider setting up a fact-finding inquiry? If he would consider that, I have same reason to believe that the strike would end.
§ Mr. MacleodI am always prepared to consider any approach, but this strike is unofficial and it would seem a most dangerous procedure for the Minister of Labour to try to intervene with the sort of inquiry which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests. I hope that the strike will end, as the union urges, and when the strikers return to work the matter can be discussed, as it was on the point of being discussed, through the established machinery.