§ 51. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the Report presented' by the joint committee of shipyard employers and trade unions that prices are being maintained at an un- 815 reasonable figure through the operation of rings and price-fixing associations which operate against the building of ships, he will consider and institute processes, either by legislation or some other suitable means, to remedy this condition now obtaining in respect to shipbuilding?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have been asked to reply. Though the Report mentioned in the question has been published, it has not been communicated officially to the Board of Trade, and I understand that it will not be so communicated until it has been approved by the organisations represented on the joint committee. I think the most useful and practical action the Board of Trade can take will be to discuss the position with the industries concerned in order to see how far it may be possible to assist the shipbuilding industry in its present difficulties. The President of the Board of Trade proposes to do this when he has received detailed information as regards the articles affected.
§ Sir W. SUGDENWill the President of the Board of Trade put himself in communication also with the acknowledged leaders of the trade unions, so that the point of view of the employes may be considered as well as that of the employers, for the benefit of the trade as a whole?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI will bring the observations of the hon. Member to the notice of the President of the Board of Trade.