HC Deb 11 June 1958 vol 589 cc209-10
48. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the dock strike in London will soon cause a large number of small businesses, particularly those in the import and export trades, to close down; and whether he will make a statement on the progress of conciliation in this matter.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I have been in close touch with the situation throughout and fully realise the loss and damage which have resulted. The strikes are unofficial and it is, of course, for the unions to secure a resumption of work so that any matters in dispute may be discussed through the established machinery. Union officials have tried to end both the meat transport strike, which was the original cause of the trouble, and the unofficial stoppages in the cold stores and docks. I have invited the union representatives concerned with the meat transport dispute to meet my officials as soon as this can be arranged. If a settlement of this dispute can be effected I expect that the other unofficial strikes will at once be called off.

Mr. J. Eden

Can my right hon. Friend give any estimate of the amount of damage done to foodstuffs as a result of this unofficial strike? Can he say what consideration prevented Her Majesty's Government from at once using troops to clear perishable cargoes from the ships?

Mr. Macleod

I cannot give a direct estimate, although it is a good deal less than most of the reports have suggested. Of course, there is a responsibility upon all Governments; they clearly have to consider the use of troops if the food supplies of the public are in danger. But that position has not been reached.

Mr. Robens

Would not the Minister agree that the officials of the Transport and General Workers' Union have worked valiantly to get these men on unofficial strike back to work? Would not he also agree that if the advice proffered by his hon. Friend had been taken by the Minister he would have had every single port in the country out on strike?

Mr. Macleod

This is certainly a very difficult position. The talks are now on the tightrope between success and failure, and I do not want to make the position more difficult. In reply to my hon. Friend, I would say that Governments naturally have their responsibilities where the food of the people is concerned.

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