asked the Minister of Labour how long it will take to obtain a final decision from the conciliation machinery in the case of the dispute at Messrs. Gardeners, Eccles.

As I stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Austin) on 26th March, I trust that the industry's constitutional machinery will be enabled to operate with the least possible delay. I am, however, not in a position to say how soon a final settlement will be reached.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the extent of this dispute and the fact that 12 men have been dismissed and have been victimised? Is he aware that an influential deputation representing the workers attended on Members of this House, and expressed the opinion that the use of the official machinery might involve a delay of two years in coming to a final decision?

I am not aware of those facts, and I do not accept that there is likely to be that delay. I am a little disappointed that the trade unionists do not go to their trade union for cooperation. It is the action of the men in the shops which is delaying the operation of the machinery, not the trade unions.

Would my right hon. Friend inquire into the facts, and see whether it is not necessary, in view of the possibility of a grave dispute, for this machinery to be overhauled?

That is another question. The trade union concerned is making its application for the machinery to be put into operation, and while the men concerned are taking certain action they are preventing the machinery from coming into operation.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that a rank injustice is being done to these 12 men, and that this is the most flagrant case of victimisation that has yet appeared since the resumption of the industry? As this has been going on since 3rd March, will he not do something to settle it?

Not any more than I have previously said I would do. I am not satisfied that there is a rank injustice. It is not for me to express an opinion, but the fact that there has been so much interference has only delayed a settlement.