HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 cc1727-8
35. Brigadier-General CROFT

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the conference which it is proposed to call between the representatives of capital and labour, he will give an undertaking that representatives of the unorganised sections of the community will also be present to state the view of the consumers?

Mr. PRATT

I am unable to give any such undertaking. The questions which it is intended to discuss are questions which primarily concern only employers and workmen. It will be the duty of the Government to see that in any results which may emerge from the conference the interests of the consumer will be fully taken into account.

General CROFT

If this procedure is to be carried out and is to be continued will he not consider the question as to whether consumers, who are also very largely interested in all these questions, shall have some representation?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member is asking the same question again.

General CROFT

Is it not a fact—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister of Labour is not here, and it is no use putting further questions.

36. Colonel MALONE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has studied the objects and work of the National Alliance of Employers and Employed; what are the reasons for inviting this body to the forthcoming Labour Conference; whether he is aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour is interested in this or an affiliated body; and what are the reasons for not inviting the Industrial Reconstruction Council to attend this conference?

Mr. PRATT

Invitations to attend tomorrow's conference have been sent to all the principal employers' associations and trade union organisations, either through the joint industrial councils or the interim reconstruction committees, or directly. Invitations have also been sent to a number of bodies who are specially interested in the adjustment of labour differences and who have asked to attend, and if the Industrial Reconstruction Council would wish to send a representative, a ticket will be forwarded to them.

Colonel MALONE

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question?

Mr. PRATT

I am sorry that I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given.