§ Mr. THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a dispute is at present in progress between the sailors and firemen at Heysham Harbour and other ports and their employers; and whether, in view of the importance at this time of industrial peace, he proposes to take any steps to promote an amicable settlement of the quarrel?
Mr. RUNCIMANInquiries have been made in regard to this matter, and I am informed that the companies are not willing to agree to refer the dispute to arbitration.