§ 51. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the present position concerning the demand of the workers in the electricity supply industry for a wages increase; how many men are involved; and whether any suggestion for an arbitration concerning the matters in dispute has been made?
§ Miss BONDFIELDApplication was made in February to the Joint Industrial Council for the Electricity Supply Industry for a general advance in wages of 10s. per week. The employers' side offered arbitration. On a ballot taken by the trade unions concerned there were 5,112 votes in favour of arbitration and 7,630 in favour of a strike. The number of employés in the industry is about 29,000. At a subsequent meeting of the council on 18th July, the employers' side again offered arbitration. The executives of the trade unions concerned are meeting on 30th July to consider the position. A meeting of the council has been fixed for 15th August.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the Minister propose to set up a court of inquiry into this matter?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI must have notice of that question.