HC Deb 14 March 1928 vol 214 cc1903-5
26. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet appointed the chairmen of the courts of referees for Glasgow, and the members, both employers and workpeople; if so, can he state the names; and, if not, when he will be in a position to do so?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

As the hen. Member is no doubt aware, the Glasgow Court of Referees has at present two chairmen, together with panels of representatives of employers and workers. The necessary additions for the purposes of the new Act are in process of being made, and I anticipate that they will be complete in a few weeks' time.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to reappoint people regardless of how they have been carrying out their duties in the past?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

It is not at all necessarily the case. It is my wish to have people, both as chairmen of referees and on the panels from whom other members are taken, who can and do fulfil their duties as adequately as possible.

Mr. BUCHANAN

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his answer he states that he is reappointing the present men, and making additions, and has he made inquiries to see that the present men have intelligently attended to their work?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I have, as a matter of fact, been making inquiries on that particular point, and I have asked for it to be taken into consideration in the new courts that are being set up.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the need for appointing these people earlier than a few weeks hence, as the Act will be in operation in a few weeks' time, and that it needs some study?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The hon. Member has already got a question on the Paper dealing with that point, and perhaps he will postpone that aspect of it until that question is reached.

27. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he has generally appointed the new chairmen of courts of referees throughout the country, together with lay members; the numbers appointed and the numbers to be appointed; and if he intends to institute any training class for them to study and be trained fully under the new Act?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The necessary arrangements for setting up courts of referees are in hand. It is not yet possible to say what the number of additional chairmen and members will be. I propose to give all members of courts the summary of the Acts recently published as well as other explanatory papers.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how he proposes to recruit the chairmen of these courts? Is it to be by competition or by patronage?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

It is by neither, in the ordinary acceptation of those words. It is by suitability for the post.

Mr. E. BROWN

Will the other explanatory papers, in addition to the one already issued, be available to Members of this House?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

If the hon. Member will communicate with me, I will see if they can be made available for those who wish to read them.