PREVENTED SPREAD OF STRIKE

Chronicle (Levin), 21 July 1949, Page 7

PREVENTED SPREAD OF STRIKE

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter-

Why Government Repudiated Board's Warning To i)ockers

CowurioM)

Received Thursday, 10.30 a.m. LONDON, July 20. The British Government, at the cost of a clash with its National Dock Labour Board, has probably prevented London's crippling dock strike spreading throughout the country.

Cabinet circles have explained today that it was alarm at tht danger of the strike spreadmg which caused the Government to lssue a repudiation of the warn- | ing sent out by the board to London's 15,000 striking dockers. This warning- had ordered the strikers to return to work this morning or risk smashing the scheme under which dockers receive a regular minimum wage even if only engaged in casual work. The Government had no intention of allowing the benefits of the scheme to be lost, but believed the threat would have caused anger and resentment in every dockland in the country. The board issued its statement without referring to the Government's five maa emergency committee handling the 'dock strike. It is insisted that the board had no right to take any action without the permission of this committee. The Prime Minister, Mr. Attlee, the Minister of Labour, Mr. Isaacs, and the Home Seeretary, Mr. Chuter Ede, held an immediate meeting and decided to repudiate the statement. Lord Ammon, the 76-year-old chairman of the board, when he heard of this action, said: "The Government has gone crazy and spoilt the whole show. I think they have gone a little panicky." Lord Ammon insisted that the

been intended to give a direct lead board s warning to the strikers had that might end the strike. Though he demed any intention of resigning, it is understood that he has lost the Government's confidence as chairman of the board. Mr. Attlee and senior Cabinet Ministers met today to consider Lord Ammon's position, confronted with the fact that technically he cannot be . .smissed until his period of office ex^ires in about 18 months. Reuter's says it is believed that he will not remain chairman of the board, though he may continue as the Government's Chief Whip in ithe House of Lords. Members of the board today ispent 30 minutes with the Labour ' Minister, Mr. Isaacs, explaining their position and views. In the House of Commons today, Mr. Isaacs said the Government felt it necessary to issue a statement that steps to end the dock labour scheme were not contemplated. Any question of modifying, suspending or terminating the scheme could be settled only by the Government and was subject to the views of Parliament. The Government was. in accord with the board in urging a resumption, said Mr. Isaacs, but he would rather that thle men went back willingly than that an effort be made to dragoon them back.