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Railway Workers (Dispute)

Volume 466: debated on Friday 1 July 1949

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(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make a statement about the decision of the N.U.R. to put into force a "go-slow" campaign on the railways at midnight on Sunday next.

I am not yet in a position to add to my statement of yesterday, but I hope to be able to make a further statement before the House rises today.

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman says I do not think any of us want to press him, particularly if he makes a statement later today, but I would ask him whether he has in mind—I am sure he has—and whether all concerned have in mind how very serious the position must be at a time when our national economy is so very precarious? I think we have a measure of sympathy, particularly for the lower-paid railway workers in this situation, but is it not a fact that a concession has already been offered to them to cost something like £2 million, and would not this "go-slow" policy simply jeopardise the conclusion of the negotiations as a whole?

I am pleased to be able to state that I know that the fact mentioned in the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's Question is having a considerable influence, and will influence the negotiations which are now practically terminated.

The Minister's intention to say something this afternoon depends on certain things that may or may not happen in the meantime, but may we take it that he will in any case definitely make a statement before the end of Business today, whether the negotiations take one turn or another during the course of the day?

Yes, Sir. I hope the thing will reach a conclusion before the House rises, and should I get any such decision I shall undertake to communicate it to the House.

I must apologise for pressing the point on the right hon. Gentleman, but surely we must, before the weekend, have some kind of a statement as to what is going on and whether a decision has been come to or not?

Do not press me any further. What the hon. Gentleman asks for will be done.