§ 49. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent example of over-capitalisation in the engineering industry, he will consider appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject of the capitalisation of industry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is one of the subjects which is being considered by the Committee on Industry and Trade, and I do not think the appointment of another body would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. ATTLEEUntil we have a report on matters such as those disclosed in the recent case of Vickers, does he think it fair to ask workmen to accept lower wages and longer hours?
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that the present inquiry is purely a voluntary inquiry, whereas if you set up a Royal Commission it will have statutory effect?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think I should wait until I saw whether the voluntary system had failed before I set up a Commission.