§ 64. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that about ten weeks ago the general secretary of the National Union of General Workers sent a petition to the blast-furnacemen's managers in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area for a 20 per cent. advance; if he is aware that, on Tuesday, 6th March, a local conference was held at Nottingham under the conciliation board rules governing the men's wages and failed to come to an agreement: if he is aware that it was mutually agreed to send the case to arbitration; if he is aware that on Wednesday, 7th March, a letter was sent both to the Minister of Munitions and the Board of Trade asking them to appoint an arbiter; if he is aware that up till the present time no arbiter has been appointed; if he is aware that these delays in settling wage and industrial questions is causing dissatisfaction in the minds of the wage-earners throughout the country; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Hodge)I regret there has been a few days' delay in dealing with this matter, but it is now in hand. and an arbitrator has been appointed.