§ 51. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the report of Messrs. Vickers, Limited, which shows profits at disposal to December last amounting to £1,241,845, and that, after paying ordinary dividend for the year at 12½ per cent., the firm are able to place to reserve a sum of £1,764,000, or £694,000 more than a year ago; whether he is aware that the women employed as belt machinists at the Erith works of this firm are at present asking for an advance of 1d. an hour in cases where their hourly rate is 2½d. or less, and an advance of ½d. an hour where the hourly rate is higher; and that the request has been refused by the firm; whether he will take steps to secure an equitable settlement of a dispute which is causing feeling among the workpeople?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Chief Industrial Commissioner has had under consideration the dispute to which the hon. Member refers, and arrangements have been made for a meeting between the parties.