§ MR. SKEWES-COX (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade if he will explain why the Board of Trade have, up to the present time, declined to intervene under the powers of the Conciliation Act in the dispute in the London printing trade, and state what steps they propose taking in the interest of all parties to bring about a settlement of the dispute.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Board of Trade have not declined to intervene in this case. They have been in communication with both sides, and have expressed their readiness to take action under the Conciliation Act if the parties are willing to accept their services. So far one of the parties has failed to agree to the course suggested. As the hon. Member is aware the Conciliation Act confers no compulsory powers on the Board of Trade; but they are watching the case, and will be glad to take any action that may seem likely to promote a settlement should an opportunity occur.