§ Sir O. THOMASasked the Minister of Labour whether he is considering action calculated to bring to an end the quarry men's strike at Penmon, Anglesey, where the men have been out for about four months owing to the refusal of their employers to advance wages to the rate 1945W obtaining for similar work in the same quarry where another company is employed?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe Ministry has been in touch with the parties since the dispute arose last August. One of the two firms originally concerned consented in October to refer the difference to arbitration, and the parties on appearance before the Industrial Court arrived at an agreement which was approved by the Court. I understand that the other firm offered the men an advance of wages which they would not accept, and work was stopped. The firm state that the financial position of the quarry makes it impossible for them to concede any further advance of wages, and that the question of arbitration, therefore, does not arise.