§ 162. Mr. Kirbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that colliery owners in Yorkshire have refused 346W to recognise the Clerical and Administrative Workers' Union, with the result that a dispute is arising between the owners and the clerical staff; and if he will make a statement on his efforts to prevent a stoppage of work by having this union recognised.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am aware that certain colliery owners in Yorkshire have refused to recognise the Clerical and Administrative Workers' Union. There are no statutory powers which can be exercised to compel employers to recognise a trade organisation, but as regards undertakings at which the staff concerned are not on strike, I have arranged for conciliation officers of my Department to meet representatives of the owners this week, together with representatives of the union, with a view to assisting the parties to reach a satisfactory settlement. It will be appreciated that the Ministry cannot assist the parties in his way where men are on strike.