§ 9. Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the difficulties caused to shipping by the strike of ship-repairers on Merseyside; and whether he will now intervene to bring about a settlement of the dispute.
§ Mr. HareYes, Sir. I am aware of the difficulties caused by this strike. My officers have already offered to 8 convene a joint meeting with a view to restoring normal working. It has not yet been possible to arrange such a meeting, but my officers are holding themselves immediately available and will continue their efforts to bring about a settlement
§ Mr. LoganIs the night hon. Gentleman aware that 4,000 men, men employed on ancillary work as well as ship-repairers, are now affected? Is he aware that by the end of the week ship-repairers will have lost £60,000 in wages, while other men affected will have lost £40,000 in wages? How much longer are we to wait for the end of a strike which in Liverpool is resulting in 4,000 men walking the streets and looking for assistance? I am concerned about the poverty of these men. Is it not time that someone made a move?
§ Mr. HareI share the hon. Gentleman's concern about the strike and I can only repeat that my officers and I will do all we can when we get an opportunity to try to bring about a settlement.