§ 92. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour what communications he has received from the 27 rival trades unions whose out-of-date and restrictive practices caused the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company to lose £800,000 on one ship, and finally to go into liquidation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GunterI have received no communications about the liquidation of the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company from unions with members in the company's employment. I understand that the company's present difficulties are due to a number of factors.
Some progress is being made in securing more efficient use of labour in shipbuilding, but more needs to be done. I shall lose no opportunity of encouraging further action by managements and unions.