§ 97. Mr. BOWERMANasked the Minister of Labour whether the appointed members of the Grocery Trade Board have made a statement that in voting for the rates fixed by the Board they have felt obliged to keep in mind the capabilities of the least fortunately placed shops in the poorest districts of each area; and whether, seeing that the rates fixed by the Board for male porters over. 21 are less by 23s. per week than the rates paid by agreement between the National Union of Shop Assistants and certain London 1552 firms, and of the lowness of the rates fixed by the Grocery Trade Board and of the many delays which have taken place in this matter, he is now prepared to confirm the rates fixed by the Trade Board?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the replies which I gave yesterday on this matter. I would add that, according to my information, the rates fixed by the Grocery arid Provisions Trade Board for male porters in London are in some cases lower and in others higher than corresponding rates paid by voluntary agreement in this trade; in no case, however, is the difference as substantial as that suggested.
§ 99. Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he addressed a letter on the 7th April to the Waste Trade Board stating that he felt some hesitation in putting the rates fixed by the Trade Board into operation without giving the Trade Board further opportunity of considering the date, but, if the Board so recommended, he would be prepared, when the matter has been reconsidered by the Board, to make an Order forthwith by which the rates would become effective as from the date by which the Board consider that the position of the trade will be such as to enable the rates proposed to be paid throughout the trade; whether the Board have now addressed a communication to him asking that the rates should be put into effect as soon as possible; and whether he will now state the course he proposes to take?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are as given by my hon. Friend. I feel it imperative to give special consideration to these rates, as in fact the anticipated revival of the trade has not been realised, and I am not yet in a position to announce my decision.