27. Colonel THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. William Ramsay, managing director of the Caledonian Oatmeal Milling Company, Aberdeen, has asked their employés to sign a guarantee that so long as they 366 are employed by the company they will not join a union of any kind, and if any one wishes to be taken on on the terms suggested they are asked to go to the mill and see the management and have the agreement signed; if he is aware that the firm in question are Government con tractors; and if he will take action in the matter?
Sir R. HORNEYes, Sir. The firm in formed me of the position and I have instructed my local officer to call on Mr. Ramsay and point out to him that this attitude is not likely to facilitate the satisfactory settlement of any disputes that may arise with his employés. I have no information that the firm are Government contractors.