§ 1 and 2. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour (1) the reasons for the delay in setting up a trade board for the cutlery trade in the city of Sheffield; and if he will take steps to expedite its formation in view of the low rates of wages paid to the workers in the trade;
(2) if, in connection with the proposal to set up a trade board, he can state the number of firms engaged in the cutlery trade in Sheffield; the number associated with the Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers' Association or the Cutlery Forgers' and General Stampers' Association; the number of employers' associations or firms and trade unions connected with the United Cutlery Council; and the reasons for the delay in setting up a trade board for this trade?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)There has been no avoidable delay in this matter. A detailed report upon this trade appears in the current "Ministry of Labour Gazette," and the employers are now being invited to consider the position in the light of the full information thus available. With regard to his further inquiries, the hon. Member will find all the information available in the Gazette article, of which I am sending him a copy.