34. Mr. G. WHITEasked the Minister of Labour the reasons for the delay in acting on the Reports on boy labour at the Merseyside Docks; and if he will take steps to call a local conference of all concerned to consider the draft scheme prepared by the Ministry?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am not aware that there has been any avoidable delay. I have no compulsory powers in this matter, which can therefore only be dealt with by discussion and agreement. The draft scheme has been circulated to the parties concerned and at the present time I am awaiting their observations, and when these replies are received I shall be prepared to consider whether a local conference can be called with advantage.