§ Mr. T. KENNEDY(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Board of Trade officials at Manchester and 2517 Newcastle have approached the principal of the wireless training school at each of these places suggesting that students holding restricted wireless certificates should communicate with the local Board of Trade office as positions are available; whether he will state what positions are available; and whether it is a function of the Board of Trade to supply labour, efficient or otherwise, to shipowners or wireless companies during a trade dispute?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Board of Trade have no information as to the action stated to have been taken at Manchester and Newcastle. Their invariable rule is to maintain strict impartiality in trade disputes, and this is well understood by the local officers. I have telegraphed to the officers concerned for a report, and will inform the hon. Member as soon as I know what the facts are.
§ Mr. KENNEDYDid the right hon. Gentleman have timely notice of the question?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, I first saw this question at ten minutes to two when the Cabinet adjourned.
§ Mr. KENNEDYMay I ask if, in view of the regulation which restricts the engagement of unqualified wireless operators on vessels of 1,600 tons or over, the waiving of the regulation now applies to those operators engaged on vessels of that sort?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. KENNEDYI will repeat it to-morrow.