TRANSPORT STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1482, 3 July 1912, Page 7

TRANSPORT STRIKE

DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT*

LABOUR MOTION CARRIED BY

THE HOUSE.

INTERVENTION URGED.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Reo. July 3, 0.33 a.m.) London, July 2. In tlio House of Commons yesterday, Mr. J. O'Grady, Labour member for East Leeds, moved that a meeting of tlio employers and men was expedient in ordor to end the transport strike. Tho Prirno Minister, Mr. Asquith, declared that intervention by tho Government was not expedient on the present occasion, though the interchange of views between the masters and men was milch to bo desired. Ho was glad the employers did not wish to break tlw unions or penalise tho men. The Government could only leave tho Industrial Council to inquire as to tho best moans of_ enforcing agreements. Mr. Bonar 'Law, Leader of tho Opposition, moved as an amendment that intervention would servo no useful purpose, and that tho Houso approved tho Premier's declaration. The normal attitudo of tho. Government towards strikes should be one of completo detachment and impartiality. Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, Leader of tho Labour party, said ho was indignant at tho suggestion that tho Houso should bo passive whilo Capital and Labour xought out their i battles. Tho men were prepared to resumo work if given an assurance that n meeting of representatives would be. held afterwards. Mr. Bonar Law's amendment was rojectod, the voting being:— For the amendment 215 Against tho amendment 262 Majority against 47 Mr. O'Grady's motion was then put, and carried as follows:— For the motion 254 | Against the motion : 183 Majority for 66