§ 92. Mr. P. Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Labour how long the dispute between the N.U.R. and the National Union of Vehicle Builders, as to which union should have the right to punch rivets, has been going on; what is the estimated loss of output resulting; and if he will make it plain that anyone who can punch a rivet should do so irrespective of whether he belongs to a union or not.
§ Mr. IsaacsI assume that the hon. Member is referring to a dispute at the Great Western Railway Workshops, Swindon, regarding the allocation of certain drilling and riveting work on new coach construction. I understand that following the allocation of these items of work in September last, a difference arose as to the class of worker who should perform them, as a result of which the completion of new coaches has been held up since early in January. In the meantime, I understand that the men are fully employed on other work. The trade unions concerned have been considering a suggestion for reaching a settlement and I am awaiting their full replies.