§ 33. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour why the Grocery and Provision Trade Board (Scotland) wage rates have not been confirmed, seeing that they were unanimously agreed by both employés and employers; and what is the present position with regard to this Board?
§ Sir M. BARLOWIt was decided not to confirm the Scotch rates to which the hon. Member refers pending the settlement of rates by the Grocery and Provisions Trade Board (England and Wales) in order that the two sets of rates might be brought into concurrent operation. The matter must, I think, stand over until it can be considered in relation to the proposed Bill for the amendment of the Trade Board Acts.
§ Sir M. BARLOWI cannot give any specific date.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIn view of the chaos which has arisen from the action of the Minister in the matter, will he see that in the legislation power is given for the decision of the Trade Board to become final and compulsory?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that, pending the issue of this Report, the whole of the existing legislation shall be made of no result whatever by refusing to ratify these decisions?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI do not say anything of the kind. The question of the grocery trade was specifically considered by Lord Cave's Committee. It has already been indicated that the policy of the Government, roughly speaking, is to follow the recommendations of Lord Cave's Committee.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAm I to understand that recommendations come to between employers and workmen have to be held in abeyance no matter how long? It is three years this has been held up.
§ Mr. STURROCKCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the amending Bill which is in contemplation will be introduced in the present Session?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI hope to introduce it shortly after Easter.