§ Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister whether he will lake immediate steps to institute an inquiry, by means of a Royal Commission or by other methods, into the causes of modern industrial unrest in this country and into possible remedies therefor?
§ Mr. FELLWill the right hon. Gentleman institute an inquiry into the increased cost of the necessaries of life in the last few years, and how this cost has affected the cost of living of the working classes; if such increased cost is likely to be permanent; if it is occasioned by the increased production of gold and consequent loss in the purchasing power of that metal; and if wages have risen proportionately with the cost of living in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The whole question of industrial unrest has for some time past been receiving the careful attention of the Government; but I am not prepared to say anything further at the present moment, except that I am 867 not satisfied that a Royal Commission would meet the requirements of the case. The Board of Trade is inquiring into the increased cost of the necessaries of life.
§ Mr. FELLIs the Prime Minister aware that the United States Senate had a similar inquiry, and, I believe, obtained very valuable information?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have not official information of the kind the hon. Gentleman mentions.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman read the speech of the Chancellor of the Duchy last Wednesday in this House, when he outlined this very suggestion as one of the proposals to institute a Royal Commission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that was so; at any rate, it is one of the subjects which requires careful consideration.
§ Mr. PETOMay I ask whether there is any reply to the memorial sent to the right hon. Gentleman with regard to the investigation of co-partnership, and how far it is applicable to the industries of the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that hardly arises out of this question.