§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. E. H. Bentall, Limited, of Maldon, have discharged three of their workmen for having joined a trade union, and that this is a controlled firm; has his attention been called to the undertakings given by the principal trade unions to submit differences and disputes to arbitration before taking offensive action against employers of labour; whether he is aware that, if such action is indulged in by employers, reprisals are certain on the part of the workmen concerned; and, seeing that this firm claim to be contractors to the India Office, will he say what action he proposes to take?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe firm mentioned is noted on the Admiralty list, and at the present time holds a contract for 915W bright steel bolts and nuts. I have no information regarding the suggestion made in the earlier part of the question. I observe that my hon. Friend has already addressed a similar question to the Minister of Munitions, and that the latter has stated that he is in communication upon it with the firm and the union concerned.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANaddressed a question in similar terms to the Secretary of State for India.
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have asked my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions to inform me of the result of the inquiries referred to in his reply to the hon. Member's question of the 23rd February last on the same subject.