§ 23. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any representations from the employers or employés in the boot and shoe industry that the conditions of labour in that industry in the Rossendale Valley district are lower than those agreed by the joint industrial council, which are in operation 2111 in Leicestershire and other areas; and whether he will introduce legislation to make the agreements of joint industrial councils binding on all sections of the trade?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have not received any representations on the subject referred to by my hon. Friend. I am advised that as wages do not come within the scope of the Joint Industrial Council for the Boot and Shoe Industry, any legislation providing for the compulsory extension of Joint Industrial Council agreements would not affect this case.
§ Mr. EVERARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the attitude of the employers, and the trade unions in that district which are affiliated to the General Council of Trade Unions, there is a difference of one shilling per pair compared with any other part of the country?
§ Mr. WADDINGTONWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to find out whether the wages paid in the Rossendale Valley are not in many cases greater than those paid in Leicestershire, and whether it is not a fact that Rossendale manufacturers have left the Rossendale Valley to set up works in Leicestershire on account of the cheaper labour conditions?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI should be glad to receive information on that point from both my hon. Friends.