TRADES UNION BILL

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 May 1927, Page 7

TRADES UNION BILL

MORE SCENES IN COMMONS A GOVT. CONCESSION & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

LONDON May 12. When dealing with the Trades Union Bill, in the committee stage, the disputes clause one continued to give the Government trouble. Lawyers were in the saddle throughout the sitting, and endeavoured to define a general strike, a sympathetic strike,'and coercion. Incidentally, Sir D. Hogg promised a far-reaching amendment providing that ordinary

srtikers, who took no part in organising an illegal strike should be exempted from penalties. Labourites greeted the concession with laughter and cries of “cold feet”. The debate finally crystallised into a discussion of Sir J. Simon’s amendment making the first clause read: — “It. is hereby declared that notwithstanding anything in the Trade Union Acts, any combination, whether of employers or employed, the main object whereof is to coerce the Government and Parliament (as distinguished from furthering a. trade dispute) by means of concerted simultaneous refusal to continue work, is an unlawful conspiracy.” Sir J. Simon claimed that this was considerably clearer than the original clause and would carry out the Government’s intentions. Mr. Harney said that all the confusion arose through the Government undertaking the impossible. On the one hand, they were recognising ‘ strikes as lawful, and on the other hand, were saying they ought to be stopped at a point when they were dangerous. It was impossible to define that point, and a wise Government would not try. Sir T. Inskip said that he recognised Sir J. Simons’ desire to improve the clause, but he believed the* Go- . vernment’s working was the better. Finally Sir D. Hogg moved the clos- ( tire amid cries of “gag.” ’ ; The amendment was negatived 264/159. Later, Air. Sidney Webb, in a fortyfive minutes’ speech asked if it would be made illegal for sailors to strike, because they considered the ships un- - seaworthy, or for miners to strike j against eight hours’ day. All these . could be said to be intended to coerce the Government. J Sir D. Hogg attempted to reply but ' as he was continually interrupted, he ) resumed his seat. J There was a further noisy demon- J tration at eleven o’clock, when Sir D. ; Hogg again moved the closure. Jack i Jones angrily calling out “You dirty I hog.”

The Chairman however, ignored him and the closure was carried, the Labourites singing “England Arise,” as they went through the lobby.

MR MACDONALD’S ATTACK

NEW YORK, May 11

Information from Philadelphia states that Air Ramsay MacDonald is now nearly well. He probably will leave the hospital on Friday, and will shortly be sailing for Home. In an Interview, Al/v AlacDonald said of the Trades Union Bill: “Every direct-thinking man, whether he has been in sympathy with our party or not, must see that this legislation is a bitter, blind blunder, and that it shows the present Government will do the country much harm if it continues in power. It is an insult to sane men to offer it to Parliament, and only those whose hearts and heads are full of class prejudice and of blindness to justice will support it. What is worrying me is that I am in this hospital room, instead of in Parliament fighting the Bill.”