HC Deb 27 March 1935 vol 299 cc1914-5W
Mr. GUY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the low prices of rubber footwear imported into this country from Hong Kong have led to a trade dispute at the North British Rubber Company, Limited; and whether he will take further steps to prevent this kind of damage to our manufactures?

Dr. BURGIN

I am not aware that the imports of rubber footwear from Hong Kong have caused this dispute.

Mr. GUY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement regard- ing the causes and the present condition of the trade dispute in the North British Rubber Company, Limited?

Mr. HUDSON

I understand that the cause of this dispute was a proposal to introduce a change in the system of calculating wages in certain departments. As my hon. Friend may be aware, the stoppage of work took place against the advice of the trade union officials and is not supported by the executive of the union. I think that it is undesirable that I should make any further statement on the position at this moment.