§ 34. Mr. BOWERMANasked the Minister of Labour if he will, before exercising his power under the Trade Boards Act with respect to any industry, in all cases consult the employers and employed in that industry through their organisations, and give them the opportunity, if they so desire, to organise themselves, in the form of a joint standing industrial council or an interim reconstruction committee, for the purpose of establishing in their industry an agreed minimum standard of conditions as to wages and hours?
§ Mr. PRATTIt is the practice of the Department to discuss with representatives of both employers and employed the nature of the joint body which would be best suited to the needs of their trade, and to assist in its formation if desired. When, having regard to the provisions of the Trade Boards Acts, it appears to be necessary to establish a trade board, conferences are held, and, as far as possible, action is taken only after the agreement of both parties.