Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the threat of the general secretary of the Boilermakers' Society to take steps with a view to the seizure of the shipyards unless the claims of the shipyard workers are met; if the Boilermakers' Society have requested him to set up a Court of Inquiry to consider the question of shipbuilders' wages; and whether it is proposed to take this course?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to an article in the current monthly Report issued by the Boilermakers' Society, references to which have appeared in the Press. The Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades have asked me to set up a Court of Inquiry on the subject of the refusal of the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation to concede a general wage application made in October last, or any part of it. I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter.