HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 cc1573-5
56. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the condition of semi-starvation to which numbers of the women workers in the linen trade in Belfast have been reduced by low wages and the working of short time in the mills and factories, he will state the facts and figures upon which the employers rely to justify the deduction of their production to two-thirds of what it has been and their refusal to pay their employés a living wage?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I understand that a good deal of short time is being worked in the linen trade in Belfast, due partly to shortage of raw material and partly to lack of orders for linen goods. The question of wages in the linen trade will receive consideration in connection with the general question of extending the operation of the Trade Boards Act.

Mr. W. THORNE

Are the Department prepared to make representations that more work should be provided in Ireland by the making of munitions there?

Colonel CRAIG

May I ask the hon. Gentleman in this matter of the linen industry of Belfast to act very carefully, because if it is not cautiously handled it might necessitate the closing down of the mills altogether, in which event the poor girls would have nothing to do?

Mr. PRETYMAN

It is for that reason we are dealing with it under the Trade Boards Act.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there was a strike in consequence of the low wages paid by the employers, and that the women have been taken back again and given full pay?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am afraid I cannot speak from personal knowledge.

57. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the demand of the spinners in the York Street Flax Spinning Company's mill, Belfast, for an advance in wages amounting to 3s. a week has been refused on the ground that the present state of trade does not warrant the concession of it; that a number of the spinners have ceased work and that a general strike is threatened; whether the average wages of these women in normal times is only 13s. 6d. a week, equivalent to 5s. 4d. at present values, and that even this is depleted owing to the decision of the mills to limit the output to two-thirds of the normal; whether he is aware of the distress at present prevailing amongst the mill workers in Belfast and that a strike would lead to the most serious consequences; and whether he will send Sir George Askwith, or some competent representative of the Board of Trade, to investigate and report on the dispute and to endeavour to bring about a satisfactory settlement of it?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am aware that, following on the refusal by the employers of an application of the spinners in the Belfast district for an advance of wages, a stoppage of work occurred in the spinning department of the York Street Flax Spinning Company, Limited. The chief Industrial Commissioner is making inquiry in the matter.

93. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the York Street Flax Spinning Company, Limited, Belfast, have refused to accede to the demand of their mill workers for a small increase in wages, and consequently hundreds of these workers have been out on strike; whether he is aware that this company have been making large profits since the outbreak of the War and paying big dividends, and that out of these profits, within the past year, a bonus of from £10 to £20 per cent. of their salaries was paid to the officials and staff of this company, whilst not 1d. was given, or proposed to be given, to the mill workers, most of whom are women and girls earning from 9s. to 13s. a week; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking action under the Trade Boards Act in the matter?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am aware that there has been a strike for an increase in wages among the workers employed by the York Street Flax Spinning Company. The chief Industrial Commissioner has been in communication with the firm, and it is understood that work has now been resumed. I have no knowledge of the other matters referred to in the question. As my hon. Friend was informed in reply to his question on Tuesday, the question of applying the Trade Boards Act to the linen trade will be considered in connection with the general position of extending the operation of the Act.