§ Mr. Hornbyasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement about the current inter-union dispute at Cammell Laird's Shipyard, Birkenhead; and whether he has yet considered the possibility of setting up an inquiry into it.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI understand that this stoppage originated in a dispute between members of the Boilermakers' Society and of the Shipwrights' Association as to who should mark off certain plates. As a result, two members of the Boilermakers' Society were withdrawn from a team and, following the refusal of the management to employ them on alternative work, 1,750 members of that Society went On strike on 27th April. The strike still continues and has led to the discharge of some 2,400 workers in other occupations. Efforts have been made by local officials of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions to bring about a settlement, so far without success.
My officers, whose services are available to the parties at any time, have been keeping a close watch on the situation, but so far no request for assistance has been made to my Department. I am not satisfied that the possibilities of settling this matter by negotiation or arbitration have yet been completely exhausted, but it may be that, should no other course prove effective, I shall have to give consideration to the setting up of an inquiry.