§ 20. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that the Chairman of the Trade Board, at the hearing of the jute industry employers' claim for a reduction of 4 per cent. in wages, stated that the machinery was antiquated and inefficient; and, as the decision was in favour of the claim, will she take this into consideration before ratification, as also the fact that the appointed members would not have voted for the reduction but for the state of trade?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It will be my duty to take account of all relevant considerations in deciding whether to confirm the board's proposals.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURBefore the right hon. Lady considers the application, will she obtain a full report of the criticism of the chairman of the employers, and is she prepared to receive a deputation?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI think the hon. Member is not aware that the proceedings of the Board are supposed to be private, and the Minister is only informed of the proceedings by such reports as are supplied by either side.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURI realise that, but I am asking whether the right hon. Lady will endeavour to obtain a report of the actual criticism by the chairman of the employers.
§ Miss BONDFIELDI shall expect a report to be supplied to me if I am being asked to make the decision.
§ Mr. KELLYIs it not the usual practice of the Board to report to the Minister, in order to secure the Minister's ratification of what they do?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes, certainly.