§ 2.48 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government the question which stands to my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, under what auspices Mr. Tewson of the Trades Union Council was sent to Greece, and whether they can state what has. been the result of his invitation to the Greek workers in the Piraeus to absent themselves from work on May I.]
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (LORD PAKENHAM)My Lords, Mr. Tewson went to Greece under the auspices of the World Federation of Trade Unions to investigate the situation of the Greek trade unions and to report on it. As regards the second 870 part of the question, the noble Viscount is mistaken. Mr. Tewson did not invite Greek workers to absent themselves from work on May I.
§ VISCOUNT LONGWhile thanking the noble Lord for his answer, may I ask if His Majesty's Government consulted with the President of the Athens, and Piraeus workers before that reply was given? Further, is it a fact that Mr. Tewson is encouraging the Communists to become members of the Union within the trade unions of this country?
§ LORD TEVIOTMight I ask a further supplementary question arising out of the answer? Was this visit of Mr. Tewson one that was sanctioned by the Foreign Secretary?
LORD PAKENHAMI will look into all the matters raised by the noble Lords who have brought forward these supplementaries. Speaking front my own know-ledge, I can assure noble Lords that Mr. Tewson is a man of the highest probity, in whom I personally have the greatest confidence.
§ VISCOUNT LONGI have not said one word against Mr. Tewson's character. I merely asked the question in view of the seriousness of the situation. Having just come back, I have some knowledge, gained from information given me by the President of the trade union. If I should put down a further question in a fortnight's time, will the noble Lord be in a position then to give me a full answer?
LORD PAKENHAMI will always endeavour to answer fully any question raised by noble Lords. I have no doubt I shall be in a position to give an answer at the time the noble Viscount has mentioned.