HC Deb 13 November 1912 vol 43 cc1971-2
26. Mr. FREDERICK WHYTE

asked why the Trade Boards Act has not been applied to the sweated industry of shirt-making?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer upon this subject which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave to the hon. Member for the St. Andrews Burghs on 10th July, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that as my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Manchester was informed yesterday, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade proposes at an early date to take into consideration the desirability of a cautious extension of the scope of the Trade Boards Act, when the case of shirt-making will be considered among others.

Mr. WHYTE

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us when that early date is likely to be?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I cannot state anything more precise in the present state of business.

Mr. WATT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the matter has been under the consideration of the Department for at least fifteen months?

Mr. ROBERTSON

It has not been in the particular sense in which I have used the phrase.