§ 30. Mr. THOMAS BURNasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received a resolution from the Belfast Flax-dressers' and Linen Workers' Trade Union alleging that the flax-dressers of Johnstone and Kilbirnie are paid 63s. 6d. for a forty-seven-hour week and that textile workers in England are paid on a forty-eight-hour week, and urging that; flaxdressers and textile workers in Ireland should be put upon a similar basis as to wages and hours; and what action he proposes to take in respect of this resolution?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have received the resolution to which reference is made, and inquiries are being made into the matter.
§ Mr. DONALDHas the right hon. Gentleman had an appeal from a Court of Inquiry into the circumstances at Belfast to set up a branch of the Industrial Council there, whereby these questions in dispute can be settled favourably both to employers and workmen?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am not cognisant, at the moment, of the particular circumstances of Belfast, but if it is sought to set up a Joint Industrial Council I have not the slightest doubt but that it will be encouraged in every possible way.
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes not the whole thing arise from the fact that these workmen are from this country, instead of from their own country?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am not aware of that fact.