§ 67 and 68. ELLIS DAVIESasked the Minister of National Service (1) whether, in view of the dislocation of the slate trade and the inconvenience caused to electrical works by the withdrawal of men under the Military Service Acts, and consequent shortage of slates, he will receive a deputation of the quarry owners and representatives of the men to discuss the position; (2) whether representations have been made to him by those engaged in electrical construction as to the delay caused by the failure of the quarry owners to supply the necessary slates, owing to the continued drain of their essential men into the Army; and whether he can see his way to enable the quarry owners to obtain protection for the workmen engaged in producing an essential commodity for war purposes?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIn consequence of the representations referred to by the hon. Member a conference took place at Rhyl, on 21st June, between the North Wales slate quarry trade and the officials of the Ministry in the Welsh Region. Further particulars are being obtained from the trade, on receipt of which full consideration will be given to the requests put forward by the trade representatives at the conference. If the difficulties cannot then be adequately met, and a further conference is found necessary, it will be arranged.