HC Deb 02 July 1923 vol 166 cc54-5W
Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the resident engineer responsible for the reconstruction of the City and South London tube railway, upon which work has been stopped as a result of a dispute, recently applied for the services of a gang of men to enable him to keep the tunnel in a safe condition; whether his Department has inquired into the cause of the dispute; and, if not, will he take immediate steps to endeavour to bring about a settlement in the interest of the travelling public and of the workmen involved in the dispute?

Mr. BETTERTON

I understand that the Civil Engineering Construction Conciliation Board has considered the position and is prepared to give a hearing to the representatives of the men concerned, and to consider their case provided that work is resumed. My right hon. Friend does not think, therefore, that it is desir- able that he should take any action in the matter. With regard to the first part of the question, I should refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 28th June by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee).

Mr. McENTEE

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken by his Department to bring to an end the dispute between the contractor and the men who were doing the work of reconstruction on the City and South London tube railway; whether he is aware that the men's representatives are willing to meet the contractors to discuss the matters in dispute with a view to arriving at a settlement if possible; and whether he will take steps if possible; and whether he will take steps to induce the contractors to agree to this offer so that an effort may be made to bring the dispute to a close?

Sir M. BARLOW

I understand that the Civil Engineering Construction Conciliation Board has considered the position, and is prepared to give a hearing to the representatives of the men concerned, and to consider their case provided that work is resumed. I do not think, therefore, it is desirable that I should take any action in the matter.