§ 23. Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has been arrived at to give foremen and the supervisory grades generally the benefit of the proposed eight hours day under the Hours of Employment Bill?
§ Sir R. HORNEClause 8 (1) of the Bill deals with the position of foremen and persons holding positions of supervision and management. The principle of this Clause was agreed upon by the Joint Sub-Committee of Employers and Trade Union representatives who assisted the Government in preparing the Bill; but the precise terminology of the Clause is under reconsideration.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether the foremen and supervisory grades were represented on that Joint Committee that agreed to the terms?
§ Sir R. HORNEThere were representatives who covered all the trade union movement, but there was no special representation of foremen and supervisory grades.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not a fact that there was no representation at all of foremen and supervisory grades?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy hon. Friend is probably very well aware that in many trade unions foremen are covered, and we took the representatives who were the most prominent leaders in connection with these matters, and who were elected by the Joint Industrial Conference for this purpose.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill he not consult these foremen and supervising grades in their own interests and in the interests of the country?
§ Sir R. HORNEI really do not see by what means one could consult them, or whom one could select for the purpose of consultation. There are not many foremen's associations of the kind who could give us the necessary advice, and accordingly we took the best advice we could, but I hope my hon. Friend is satisfied with the fact that their case is being at present reconsidered.