HC Deb 13 April 1921 vol 140 cc1090-1
31. Mr. HAILWOOD

asked the Minister of Labour how many Trade Boards there are established; what is their cost to the country; how much money is spent in covering the cost of representatives of employers and employes travelling to and from London for preliminary conferences; and if he will take steps to abolish Trade Boards?

Dr. MACNAMARA

With regard to the first three parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, which I gave on the 23rd March to my hon. Friend the Member for Pontefract, to which I would add that the staff of 72 engaged in connection with the work of investigation has since been reduced by 33. I have frequently stated that I regard it as desirable in the present circumstances to proceed with caution in the establishment of new Trade Boards. I have, however, made it equally clear that I regard the Trade Board system as a valuable piece of social legislation; and I am opposed—as is the Government—to-any steps on the lines suggested in the-last part of the question.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that wherever Trade Boards have been set up that both employers and employed are very highly satisfied with them; is it not true that there has not been a single strike in the different industries where they have had Trade Boards operating?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say offhand as to the latter part of the question; but I will send the hon. Member a complete statement of the formation and history of Trade Boards. As I say, they are a valuable piece of social legislation. I do not propose to abolish them.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the Trade Boards, seeing they are so satisfactory?

Mr. HINDS

Is it not true that unemployment has been caused by the action of the Trade Boards?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have asked for information on that point Manifestly, if in the desire to help poorly paid people we are making their last end worse than their first, we are defeating our own aim. Any information on the point put by the hon. Gentleman shall receive very close attention.

Mr. HAILWOOD

Is it not the fact that wages are ultimately settled by economic conditions? Will the right hon. Gentleman explain in what way Trade Boards influence wages?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Are wages not sometimes settled by good will?

Viscountess ASTOR

With the aid of Trade Boards?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

That is my point.

32. Major Sir K. FRASER

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the substantial fall in the cost of living and the prospects of further decreases, he proposes to give his consent to the proposals of various Trade Boards to increase minimum rates; and, if so, upon what public grounds?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have at present before me two cases in which Trade Boards have decided, by agreement between employers and workers, to increase the existing rates, and have applied to me for confirmation. It is my duty in all proposals that come before me, whether for increase or reduction, to give full consideration to all relevant facts before giving a decision.