HC Deb 18 July 1956 vol 556 cc93-4W
73. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the dispute in the tin mining industry of Malaya in which the men are taking strike action one day each week; why this dispute was not referred to the Industrial Court as requested by both sides; why the Labour Department refused the unions' request for an arbitration court to settle the dispute; and, if agreement has not yet been reached, if he will agree to the case going before an arbitration tribunal.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes. At the request of both parties, this dispute was referred to the Industrial Court. Reference to arbitration was unnecessary while the dispute was before the Industrial Court, but the employees' union has now withdrawn its agreement to refer the dispute to that Court and has declined to enter into any form of arbitration.