§ 65. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH - BENTINCKasked the Minister of Labour what progress he has made in negotiations with representatives of employers in the drapery trade with a view to bringing that trade under the Trade Boards Acts?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)My right hon. Friend has been in consultation with representatives of employers in the drapery and allied trades since 13th March last. In accordance with the Trade Boards Acts, when he is satisfied that a prima facie case for inquiry into a trade has been made out, his object is to ascertain the facts as to existing organisation and wages. I regret that up to the present time the organised employers in the drapery and allied trades have not yet seen their way to co-operate with us in ascertaining these facts. My right hon. Friend still hopes to obtain this co-operation, but he proposes, without delay, to proceed with the necessary investigation.