§ 28. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government will urge the employers in the woollen industry to agree to the setting up of a joint committee to discuss methods for the improvement of the conditions and organisation of the industry and for obtaining a greater coordination between the employers and the workers?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe statements made in the course of the negotiations, which were published, do not indicate that there was any disagreement between 490 the parties as to the policy of joint consideration of the matters to which my Noble Friend refers. I understand one of the difficulties in that case arose on the question of the stage at which a wage settlement should be discussed by a joint committee.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWas it not the intention of the employers that a reduction of wages should come first; and is it not the wish of the Government that the consideration of the re-organisation of the industry should come first and the question of any reduction should —perhaps —come second?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThere was, I think, a difference of opinion between employers and employed as to the sequence in which these questions ought to be considered.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs it not a fact that the employés wanted to discuss the re-organisation of the industry and that the employers refused?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI could not answer the categorical question put by the hon. Member. Undoubtedly, there was a difference of opinion as to the order in which these important questions should be discussed.