DEPUTATION TO MR HOLLAND

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26151, 29 June 1950, Page 4

DEPUTATION TO MR HOLLAND

T.U.C.’S OPINIONS ON SUBSIDIES

“ CASE PUT TEMPERATELY AND REASONABLY ” (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. June 28.

“The more of these discussions we have between the Government and the workers, the better for all concerned.” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) this evening, after a deputation of seven representatives of the Trade Union Congress had waited on him to present their organisation’s views on the reduction of subsidies and allied questions. The Minister of Labour (Mr W. Sullivan) and the Attorney-General (Mr T. C. Webb) were present. Mr Holland said that the speakers put their case most temperately and reasonably. He had received many deputations in the last six months, and with none had there been a more frank and free exchange of opinions. There had not been the slightest ill feeling. “1 went to some pains to explain to the deputation the events that led up to the Government’s decisions, and we parted company with the utmost goodwill and a clear understanding of each other’s views.” Mr Holland said. He added that it was too much to expect that the Government and the deputation should agree, but at least each acknowledged the rights of the other to express its views. The deputation consisted of Mr A. C. Melville, provisional secretary of the Trade Union Congress, Mr S. Giles, secretary of the Freezing Workers’ Union, Mr T. Wells, president of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union, Mr E. Hamilton, of the Wellington Carpenters’ Union. Mr R. Adams, secretary of the Wellington Painters’ Union, and Mrs A. C. Dellaway, of the Housewives’ Committee.