§ MR. CLYNESI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department can estimate the proportion of advance given to men classed as unskilled workmen out of the £60,000 which he has stated represents the weekly increase in wages during 1906; whether he has records to show that the total increase is due chiefly to workmen's organisations in the various trades; and whether he is aware that the legal right of trade union combination amongst unskilled workmen is often denied to them as a condition of employment.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD of TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY, Devonport)I regret that the Board of Trade are not able to make any trustworthy estimate of the proportion of the £00,000 which re- 1090 presents the rise in wages of unskilled workmen. A large part of the recorded rise took place in industries such as the textile trades and mining, in which trade unions are strong, but it is not possible to say precisely how much of the increase is duo to those organisations. As regards the last part of the Question, I am aware that some employers have refused to employ members of trade unions. However regrettable this may be considered, it cannot be said to be illegal.