§ 69. Mr. LEACHasked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that no adequate machinery exists for the regulation of wages throughout the woollen and worsted trade, and that the rates of wages of many classes of operatives are already low and are to be further reduced; and whether therefore she will consider the expediency of applying the Trade Boards Acts to the trade?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)If a primâ facie case is presented to my right hon. Friend it would be her duty to take appropriate action. My right hon. Friend wishes me to add, however, that she hopes it will be possible for the problems confronting the industry to be discussed between the organisations on both sides and she will give all the assistance in her power in order to promote a settlement by that means.
§ Mr. LEACHDoes the Parliamentary Secretary know that if the latest demands of the employers are enforced, a large number of women in the spin- 463 ning department will be in receipt of wages lower than in any trade covered by the Trade Boards Acts?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am not aware of that fact.
§ Mr. BEN RILEYHave any steps been taken by the Department to try to bring the two parties together?
§ Mr. LAWSONYes, the Department has been very active in the matter.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, on the last occasion when this question came up for consideration, there was no sign of the two parties coming together, and arriving at a reasonable settlement? Is the hon. Member also aware that the lower wages were imposed without any opportunity of discussion by the wage earners?
§ Mr. WISEIs the Department taking any steps to bring any persuasion or pressure to bear on the employers to put into operation the changes in the organisation of the industry which have been recommended by two commissions of inquiry within the last four years?
§ Mr. LAWSONThat is a separate question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise out of the question on the Paper.