INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 10 May 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF

COMMONS

♦V CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYBIOHT.

LONDON, May 9. Mr E. Crawshay Williams (Parliamentary private secretary to Mr Lloyd George) moved a resolution asking for an investigation into industrial unrest.

Lord Robert Cecil stated that the factory and company systems destroyed the human element in industry. He advocated co-partnership. Mr Keir Hardie said that an enquiry into the cause of delay was necessary. The Labor Party objected to a special Commission pf enquiry into these questions. He added: ' 'We are a special Commission." He moved an amendment in favor of a Light Work Bill, an eight hours day, a minimum living wage, and nationalisation of industries-

Mr Lloyd George said that agricultural labor was much underpaid. Many laborers were earning only 15s a week. The nationalisation of the railways was ■worth examining; as a business proposition. Unlimited competition was costing the country millions sterling. The fact was that workmen were suspicious of interference by the State. Mr Thomas interjected that out of 30 appeals to the Board of Trade only one had ended in favor of the men.

Mr Lloyd George replied: "But the Board of Trade represents the State. Surely nationalisation is State control."

Lord Robert Cecil invited the Government to consent to put the case for co-partnership before a Cabinet Committee.

The debate was adjourned