HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1927, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, .May 12. When dealing with the Trades Union Hill 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 the general strike, sympathetic strike and coercion. Incidentally Sir D. Hogg promised for a far-reaching amendment providing that ordinary strikers who took no part in organising an illegal strike .should be exempted from penalties. Labourites greeted the concession with laughter and cries of “Cold fc t.” The debate finally crystallised inti a discussion of Sir J. Simon’s amendment, making the first clause read: “ It is hereby declared that not withstanding anything in the Trade Union Acts, any combination, whether of employers or employed, the main object whereof is to coerce a government and parliament (as distinguished from furthering a trade dispute) by means of concerted and simultaneous refusal to continue work, is an unluwiul conspiracy.” Sir J. Simon claimed this was considerably clearer than the original clause and would carry out the Government's intentions. Mr Harney said all the confusion arose through the Government undertaking the impossible on one hand and recognising strikes were lawful on the other hand, saying they ought to be stopped at a point when they were dangerous. I was impossible to define that point, and a wise Government would nob try.

Mr Inskip said he recognised .Sir J .Simon’s desire to improve the clause hub he believed tlm Government’s wording was hotter. Finally Sir ID. Hogg moved the closure amid cries of “Gag.” The amendment was negatived by 204 to IdO. Later, Sidney Webb, in a 4b minutes’ speech, asked if it. would he made illegal for sailors to strike, because they considered ships unseaworthy, or for miners to strike against eight, hours’ day All these could be said to be intended to coerce the Govcrnmen'. Sir D. Hogg attempted to reply, but as he was continually interrupted lie resumed his seat. There was a further noisy demonstration nt 11 o’clock when Mr Hogg again moved the closure. ■Tack Jones angrily called out: “You dirty liog.” The Chairman, however, ignored him and the closure was carried, Labourites singing “England Arise” as they went through the lobby'.