§ MR. HODGE (Lancashire, Gorton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if all the Departmental Committees of inquiry into the necessity and practicability of facilities being given to workmen for checking their product when paid their wages by ton measure or piece, or the appointment of checkweightmen for such purpose in the iron and steel trades, lime or cement works, quarries, and docks, have completed their labours and reported thereupon; if such Committees consisted of representative employers and workmen, representative neutrals, with a neutral chairman; and if such Reports as have been received are unanimous in their recommendations as to the justice and practicability of such checkweighing facilities being given, and when legislation giving effect to such recommendations may be expected.
§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELYes, Sir, the Departmental Committees on this subject, which were constituted in the manner stated in the Question, have completed their inquiries. The last of the Reports, that relating to docks, was laid on the Table of the House a few days ago. My right hon. friend is glad to be able to announce that in each case the Committees have reported in favour of giving the workmen the power of checking the weights or measurements on which their wages are based. He hopes to be able to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee next session.