§ 26. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to have a Government inquiry into the condition of the shipbuilding and engineering industry on the lines of the recent cotton inquiry?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMNo, Sir. My hon. Friend has no doubt seen the letter addressed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to the Engineering Joint Trades Wages Movement which expresses the views of His Majesty's Government on the subject.
§ Mr. KELLYIs there any intention of reconsidering this matter in order that an investigation may take place into the low wage conditions operating in these industries?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNot as far as I know at the moment, but the fact remains that the two—sides al all events the employers—were willing to engage in a very full investigation within the industry. That, I understand, is the proposition which is still before die unions.
§ Mr. KELLYIs there any information in the Department as to the employers and the unions having met on this matter?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Minister of Labour suggested to the representatives of the operatives that they ought to accept the suggestion that was made by the employers as to examining conditions on the Continent?
§ Mr. GRAHAMNo, Sir, my recollection of the letter to which my original reply referred was that it stressed the importance of the inquiry proceeding within the industry itself, and I have no doubt that both Continental and home conditions will be taken into account.