Mr. MAC KINDER:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further information to give to the House as to the attitude of his Department regarding the reported deadlock in the wool textile dispute.

I regret that I am not able at the moment to announce any substantial change in the situation. I am keeping in close touch with developments, so that I may be able to take any action that seems likely to forward the prospects of settlement.

I have no wish to argue, but is it the fact that the Lord Mayor of Bradford has offered his mediation, and that the employers have refused any attempts at mediation?

I think, as far as I know, that negotiations and talks are still going forward, but I have not yet heard any report this morning.

Is not the Minister aware that in this morning's Yorkshire papers there is a notice from the employers saying that the next offer must come from the workpeople, and that they cannot take any action unless the workpeople propose some further alteration?

I have not seen the Yorkshire papers this morning.