LONDON STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 189, 7 May 1937, Page 11

LONDON STRIKE

Threat of Spread to Tramwaymen APPEAL BY MR. BEVIN Men Agree lo Remain at Work By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, May 5. Concern arose in London to-day when the tramwaymen and trolley-busmen asked the executive of the Transport Union to grant them plenary powers for strike action. The secretary said that if they were refused the men were likely to act unofficially, because they were upset by the striking busmen thinking they were blacklegging, and such ill-feeling must be corrected. The tramway and trolley-bus workers unanimously resolved to demand immediate plenary powers to withdraw their labour in order to draw attention to their working conditions. After a conference with the men tonight, the secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union, Mr. Ernest Bevin, stated that lie had instructed them to remain at work, as the executive desired that the presetn dispute be limited to the busmen in Central London. A later message reported that the tram and trolley bus men have accepted Mr. Bevins advice to remain at work. The Minister of Labour, Mr. Erpest Brown, reported to Cabinet the latest phases of the bus strike. City Traffic Congestion. The infiltration of people to inspect the incomplete coronation decorations is adding to the city's traffic congestiori?"which again to-day proceeded at a snail's pace in the West End, despite the absence of buses. ) The crowding of the tubes seemed worse this morning, and running to schedules was appreciably slowing down. Better organisation at the tube stations prevented a repetition of yesterday’s imprisonment and carrying on of alighting passengers by swarms of people struggling to board the trains. At the court of inquiry into the strike, Mr. T. E. Thomas, general manager of the Road Transport Board, said that the cost of the readjustment demanded bv the men would be £650,000 a year. Lord Ashfield informed the inquiry that the Transport Board had failed to secure sufficient income to discharge its liabilities. Holders of C stock were drawing only 4 per cent, interest instead of the standard rate of 51 per cent. If the board failed to fulfil its obligations it must face possible legal action and the appointment of a receiver. Inquiry Nears End. A British official wireless message states that indications were given at this morning’s meeting that the inquiry is nearing the end. The deputy-chair-man of the Fassenger Transport Board, Mr. Frank Pick, stated that he proposed to call only three witnesses and to sum up the board’s case afterward. The presentation of the case for the men was completed yesterday.