HC Deb 08 February 1934 vol 285 cc1280-1
6. Sir H. SAMUEL

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make any statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the introduction of legislation to make agreements, which have been entered into by organisations of employers and employed in the cotton trade or in other industries, obligatory upon all engaged in the industry concerned?

Sir H. BETTERTON

As the right hon. Member is aware, joint representations have recently been made to me on this subject by the representatives of the employers' and operatives' organisations in the Manufacturing Section of the cotton industry. No decision has yet been reached by the Government, but I can assure the right hon. Member that the matter is receiving the most careful consideration.

Sir H. SAMUEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this matter is one of great urgency in view of the present conditions in Lancashire?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Yes. I am very much aware of the importance of this matter, and I am keeping in close touch with the question.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea as to when he will be able to announce a decision on this matter?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am afraid that at the moment I cannot say more than I have said, but I can assure the hon. Member, as I have assured the right hon. Gentleman, that I am very cognisant of the importance of this matter.

10. Major PROCTER

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes at an early date to give legislative effect to the more-looms-per-weaver agreements; and if he will give instructions to the Employment Exchanges that operatives who refuse to accept work in violation of such agreements will not lose their unemployment pay?

Sir H. BETTERTON

On the first part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel). As to the second part of the question the question whether unemployment benefit is payable in given circumstances can only be decided by the statutory authorities.

Major PROCTER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men and women who refuse to work where these agreements are violated lose their unemployment pay? Is it not possible for him to give instructions that where agreements have been violated—agreements made with his approval—these men and women should not be penalised for keeping their part of the bargain?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I am aware of what the hon. and gallant Member has indicated in the first part of his supplementary question, but with regard to the second part I have no power whatever to give instructions to the statutory authorities.