HC Deb 06 July 1927 vol 208 cc1246-8
22. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in regard to the negotiations with the employers' associations in regard to conditions of labour, he can state with what associations contact has taken place during the last three months; the nature of the conditions which were discussed; whether discussions took place on the same subjects with the trade unions; and whether in any cases the employers' associations and the trade unions met together for such discussions?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

In the discharge of the responsibility placed upon the Ministry by the Conciliation Act and Industrial Courts Act, and otherwise, officers of my Department frequently have occasion to confer formally or informally with representatives of associations both of employers and of workmen, sometimes separately and sometimes together. It is hardly possible, even if it were desirable, to enumerate the meetings of this kind which have taken place, but if the hon. Member will tell me what particular negotiations he has in mind, I shall be glad to consider what information I can properly give him about them.

Mr. PALING

Have any of the talks that have taken place been in the nature of applications for reduced wages or increased hours from employers?

Mr. BETTERTON

I could not answer that unless the hon. Member gives me particulars of the discussions he has in mind. Discussions are constantly taking place on a variety of subjects.

Mr. PALING

Are there any applications from employers asking for a reduction in wages or an increase of hours?

NUMBERS of men and women on the registers of certain Employment Exchanges at 25th July. 1926 and 28th March, 1927, respectively.
— 25th July, 1926. 28th March, 1927.
Men. Women. Total. Men. Women, Total.
West Ham* 12,430 1,921 14,351 10,217 1,512 11,730
East Ham 2,218 430 2,648 1,779 356 2,135
Leyton and Walthamstow 4,402 1,091 5,493 3,622 656 4,278
Total 19,050 3,442 22,492 15,618 2,525 18,143
* Figures relate to Canning Town and Stratford Employment Exchanges.
Separate figures for Woodford are not available.
Mr. BETTERTON

I could not answer that without notice.

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