HC Deb 06 March 1919 vol 113 cc602-3
45. Mr. DONALD

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to hold a national conference at an early date to discuss the unrest that at present exists in the shipbuilding and engineering industry throughout the country on questions relating to hours, wages, and general conditions of employment, unemployment and its prevention, and the best method of promoting co-operation between capital and labour?

Sir R. HORNE

I have been asked to reply to this question. A National Industrial Conference, at which representatives of the shipbuilding and engineering industries were present, was held on the 27th February last, and a provisional joint Committee was then set up to consider and report to a further meeting of that conference on the causes of the present unrest and the steps necessary to safeguard and promote the best interests of employers, workpeople, and the State, and especially to consider

  1. 1. Questions relating to hours, wages, and general conditions of employment.
  2. 2. Unemployment and its prevention.
  3. 3. The best methods of promoting co-operation between capital and labour.
This Committee has commenced its sittings, and it is intended that a Report shall be presented by them to a further meeting of the Industrial Conference on the 4th April. The purview of this conference is not limited to any particular industries, and it is not intended that it shall interfere in any way with any negotiations which are now taking place in separate industries.

Sir E. CARSON

Are there any Irish representatives on this Committee?

Sir R. HORNE

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Who was the official responsible for the issue of the invitations to this conference?

Sir R. HORNE

It was an official of the Ministry of Labour, and I am responsible for all officials of the Ministry of Labour.