HC Deb 06 December 1932 vol 272 cc1431-3
40. Mr. JOHN WALLACE

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the handicap to which the Scottish linen industry is being subjected in competition with Northern Ireland, on account of the fact that the flax and hemp trade board, which governs wages and labour conditions in the linen industry in Scotland, is not operative in Ireland; whether he is aware of the number of linen factories in Scotland which have recently closed down; and whether he will make inquiries as to the possibility of a temporary suspension of the flax and hemp trade board in Scotland?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)

I have no power of temporary suspension, and I can withdraw the Trade Boards Acts from the linen trade only upon evidence that conditions have been so altered as to render a trade board unnecessary. No such evidence has been submitted to me. I am aware of the depression prevailing in this trade, but I should point out that the question whether the level at which wages have been fixed is such as to constitute a handicap is a matter for the trade board; the matter is, I understand, to come before the board at a meeting on 15th December.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the effect of this question being put into operation would mean that the wages in Scotland would be lowered to the level of their competitors in Northern Ireland?

Mr. SOMERSET

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Northern Ireland we have a trade board for the making-up section of the industry functioning quite satisfactorily to both employers and employés; and does not he think that the reason why so many factories in Scotland are closing, is that probably they are not as up to date as they are in Northern Ireland?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The position with regard to Ireland is that this trade board was withdrawn, I understand, in 1922 by the Government of Northern Ireland. With regard to the question put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan), I think that in the circumstances it would be better if he repeated it, or spoke to me after the 15th December when the meeting takes place. I have nothing whatever to do with the matter until the meeting has taken place.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it not a fact that the main point of the question is that the trade board in Scotland is keeping wages up, while without a trade board in Northern Ireland wages are lower?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I have no jurisdiction whatever over Northern Ireland, and I gather from the question that wages in Scotland are higher than in Northern Ireland.

Mr. MAXTON

May we take it that it is not the policy of His Majesty's Government to lower wages in all parts of the Empire to the level of the lowest?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Yes, Sir.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Have not the wages boards simply prevented people very often from getting employment?