Mr. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the action of the employers in the furnishing trades in locking out their workmen in the districts of Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, High Wycombe, Nottingham, Leicester, Barn staple, and part of West Bromwich; and whether any action is being taken by his Department in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am aware of this dispute, which has been watched by my Department. At present it is in the hands of the Joint Industrial Council of the furnishing trade, a meeting of which takes place to-morrow. I sincerely hope that the council will be able to reach a speedy and satisfactory settlement.