SCENES CONTINUE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16339, 13 May 1927, Page 11

SCENES CONTINUE

TRADES UNION DEBATE

LITTLE PROGRESS MADE

tElec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.t (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.;

(Received May 13, 3 p.m.)

LONDON, May 12

When dealing with the Trades Union Rill in the committee stage, disputes over clause 1 continued to give the Government trouble. Lawyers were in the saddle throughout the sitting, and endeavored to define a general strike, a sympathetic strike, and coercion. Incidentally Sir Douglas Hogg, K.C., promised a far-reaching amendment providing that ordinary strikers who took no pajrt in organising $n illegal strike should be exempted from the penalties. Laborites greeted the concession with laughter, and cries of “cold feet.” The debate finally crystallised into a discussion of the amendment, of Sir John .Simon, K. 0., making the first clause read : “It is hereby declared that, notwithstanding anything hi the Trade Union Acts, any combination, whether of employers or employed, tiie main object whereof is to coerce Hie Government and Parliament —as distinguished from furthering a trade dispute —by means of a concerted and simultaneous refusal to continue work, is an unlawful conspiracy.”

Sir John Simon claimed that this was considerably clearer than the original clause and would carry out tho Government’s intentions: IMPOSSIBLE DEFINITION.

Mr. E. A. Harney, K.C., said that all the confusions arose through the Government, undertaking tho impossible on one band, and recognising strikes as lawful on the other hand, saying they ought to be stopped at the point when they were dangejgms. It was impossible fo define, that point, mid a wise Government, would not, try.

Sir Thomas Inskip, K.G., said lie recognised Sir John Simon’s desire to improve the clause, hut lie believed the Government’s wording was better. Finally, Sir Douglas Ilogg. moved the closure, amid cries of “ gag.” The amendment, was negatived by 264 votes to 159. Later Air. Sidney Webb, in a. 45 minutes’ speech, asked if it would be made illegal for sailors in strike because they considered their ships nitseaworthy. or for miners to strike against the eight-hours day. All these could be said to lie intended to coerce tin l Government..

Sir Douglas Hogg attempted to reply, but as he was continually interrupted he resumed his seat.

There was a further noisy demonstration at, 11 o’clock, when Sir Douglas Hogg again moved the closure, Mr. Jack Jones angrily calling out, “ You dirty hog.”

The chairman, however, ignored liim, and the closure was carried, Laboritessinging “ England Arise,” as they went through the lobby.