§ 83. Captain ORMSBY-GOREasked the Minister of Labour if he will state how many Joint Industrial Councils, Grade A, on the lines of the Whitley Report have been established by 1st January, 1st February, 1st March, and 1st April, 1919, respectively; and whether the greater part of the industries of the country are now covered by these councils?
§ Mr. WARDLEIn answer to the first part of the question the number of Joint Industrial Councils set up under the Whitley Report by the dates mentioned is as follows:
Since 1st April the thirtieth council has been set up, and another holds its first meeting to-morrow.
By 1st January, 1919 … … 19 By 1st February, 1919 … … 24 By 1st March, 1919 … … 24 By 1st April, 1919 … … 29 These councils cover a total of about 1,800,000 workpeople, and further councils, covering an additional 700,000 workpeople, will be established in the near future, when they will comprise the great majority of the well-organised industries of the country, apart from four of the largest industries, namely: engineering, ship-building, mining, and railways, for which, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, no permanent joint bodies have yet been set up.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLHas any council been set up for the agricultural industry?
§ Mr. WARDLEIn the agricultural industry wages boards are in operation.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLBut is it not a fact that wages boards only have a limited area over which they can exercise control—namely, hours and wages?
§ Mr. WARDLEI think not. I think that under the last Trade Boards Act, of last year, they can extend their operations.