§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that complaints have been received at the head office of the National Union of General Workers on account of the delay in fixing up settlements between the Committee on Production and the various sections of labour; if he is aware that the women engaged in the tin-box making at Blackburn reported their case to the Board of Trade on 26th February and no settlement has been arrived at; and that the engine-drivers, shunters, and cleaners employed at the Fleet Works of the United Alkali Company reported to the Board of Trade on 30th March and no agreement up to the present has been arrived at; and if he can give any reason for these delays, which are causing unrest in all parts of the country?
§ Mr. HODGEI have seen the letter addressed to the Chief Industrial Commissioner under date 13th June from the head office of the National Union of General Workers in which complaint is made of certain delays. A reply to the letter has, I observe, been sent. I may add that with regard to the case of the workpeople employed in the tin-box making trade of Blackburn, of the four firms reported, two only replied to communications addressed to them by the Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department, one employer stating that he had no employés, being assisted only by his wife, and the other stating that he had had no complaints from any of his workpeople. The other two firms did not reply, although reminders were sent to them on three occasions. With regard to the case of the Fleetwood works of the United Alkali Company, the Department understood that this case was merged in and covered by a general application, which included this firm and their workpeople, dealt with by the Committee on Production in an award of 12th April. When it was made clear that the case referred to was a separate question the matter was again taken up, and an arbitrator appointed on 25th instant. I quite agree with my hon. Friend as to the importance of these matters being dealt with speedily and am taking steps to deal with these matters with expedition. At the same time it is necessary that every help should be given by the parties themselves,550W both employers, workpeople and trade unions. To this end a special circular is being issued, a copy of which has been sent to the hon. Member. I shall be glad to arrange for the hon. Member to see an officer of the Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department on the matter, if desired.