§ Mr. MAINWARINGasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a number of men engaged at the Unigar clothing 2084W factory at Edmonton were dismissed from their employment on account of having taken steps to join a trade union and that, on 6th June, 140 girls, also employed at this factory, came out on strike, partly in sympathy with the men and partly to insist upon their own right to organise; and, in view of these and many similar instances, can he take steps to protect the workers' right to join trade unions?
Mr. STANLEYI am informed that this dispute arose in connection with the discharge of certain workpeople consequent upon the reorganisation of the factory. Arising out of negotiations between the firm and the union, I understand that the firm have made an offer which is to be submitted to a ballot vote of the workers concerned. In these circumstances, I do not think it desirable to make any further statement.