asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of appointing a non-party Committee to investigate whether the legislative methods sanctioned in any other country for lessening or averting industrial trouble are worthy of consideration and possible adoption in our own?

The experience of other countries was taken into account when the Industrial Courts Act was under consideration in 1919. Since then nothing specially new has arisen to justify the appointment of a Committee such as proposed.

In view of the absolute failure of the Government to avoid strikes, can further steps be taken?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Act of 1919 is not very largely inoperative because of the necessity of both parties agreeing to accept the Court and to abide by its decision?

We must not debate the matter.