HC Deb 25 November 1959 vol 614 cc342-3
8. Mr. J. Hill

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a strike of clay miners in Stirlingshire has continued for more than seven weeks; and whether he will use his good offices to bring this dispute to an end.

Mr. Heath

Yes Sir. My officers have been kept fully informed of the circumstances and they offered to assist the parties shortly after the strike commenced. The offer was not accepted, but last week the union wrote to me suggesting that the dispute should now be settled by arbitration. My officers are now in touch with the parties about this.

Mr. Hill

Is the Minister aware that the cause of this strike is the refusal of the owners to recognise negotiated trade union agreements and that they have so far refused to go to arbitration? This is a "wildcat" strike, not on behalf of the employees, but on behalf of the employers.

Mr. Heath

It is not for me to offer views and opinions on a matter which at the moment is in dispute. The main thing is that my officers are in consultation with both sides to find a solution to the problem.