§ 89. Mr. FIELDasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Dublin Mercantile Association, the Port and Docks Board, and the St. Patrick's Division Nationalists have passed resolutions approving of the Lord Mayor's suggestion to establish a permanent representative conciliation board for Dublin; whether he is aware of the desire to have a wages board established; and whether he can state what the Government intend to do in regard to those demands?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. G. Roberts)The Department are in communication with the Lord Mayor of Dublin on the proposal for the establishment of a conciliation board. With regard to the establishment of a Wages Board, as my hon. Friend has- been informed, the whole matter is now the subject of investigation, and I propose to ask the House for powers which will facilitate the establishment of wages boards in industries in which they are shown to be desirable.
§ Mr. FIELDWhen does the hon. Gentleman expect that this wages board will be brought into operation—I have been asking questions about it for the last two years?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI do not possess power to set up the wages board. I am asking the House to give me that power shortly.
§ Mr. ROBERTSWith the hon. Member's co-operation, I will ask for it speedily.