§ 40. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour the number of times during the last two years employers of labour have asked for a Court of Inquiry into 902 an industrial dispute under the Industrial Courts Act, 1919, and the number of times an inquiry was held; and the number of occasions trades unions made similar applications and how many times the requests were granted?
§ Mr. BETTERTONSince January, 1925, 10 requests have been received for the establishment of a Court of Inquiry under the Industrial Courts Act, 1919. Seven from trade unions, two from joint bodies representative of employers and workmen, and one from employers. In one case a Court was set up, and in this case the application had been made by a trade union. Two cases were referred to joint committees of investigation and conciliation and two to arbitration. In three cases the applicants were referred back to the existing machinery of conciliation, which had not been exhausted. One other case was settled by conciliation, and one is still under investigation.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that, under this Act of 1919, if there is any quarrel between either employers, on one side, or workmen, on the other, you have power to deal with them as to whether they are prepared to go under this Act nr otherwise without any further legislation?
§ Mr. BETTERTONYes, Sir, that is so. It would be within the discretion of the Minister.