Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 20 March 1903
Parliamentary Reference To The Dispute
Board Of Trade And Mediation
In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr. A. B. Markham (Imp. Notts., Mansfield) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that for the past 36 weeks a strike had existed between the owners of the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries and three to four thousand of their workmen; and whether, in view of the distress occasioned by reason of this dispute, he would forthwith put into operation Clause 2, Sub-section F., of the Conciliation Act, 1896.
Mr. Gerald Balfour (President of the Board of Trade): I am fully aware of this deplorable dispute, which has been in progress for many weeks, and which, as I am informed, is now being continued against the advice of the men’s Union. The Board of Trade have communicated both with the company and the union, and do not gather that either of them is desirous of their intervention. No application has reached me from the men actually on strike. I need hardly say that the services of the Department are fully at the disposal of the parties, but it is obvious that the difficulty of successful mediation is greatly increased by the refusal of the men to be guided by their own union. I am making further inquiries.
Mr. Markham: As the men have repudiated the union, will the right hon. gentleman communicate with the men’s committee?
Mr. Gerald Balfour: I am making further inquiries. I cannot say any more at the present time.