HC Deb 11 February 1932 vol 261 cc1005-6
8. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour what proposals for the establishment of trade boards are before his Department at the present time; and the position with regard to the proposed catering trade board?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Two such proposals are before the Department. In one case, that of the fustian cutting trade, information has been collected and is at present under examination. In the other case, that of the cutlery trade, inquiries into the facts are proceeding and will not be completed for some time.

As regards the last part of the question, I have given careful consideration to the evidence contained in the report of the inquiry into remuneration and hours of employment in the catering trade issued by my predecessor in 1930. I have reached the conclusion that in all the circumstances the conditions of this trade do not justify the application of the Acts lo this trade at the present time.

Mr. MANDER

Has the appeal to the House of Lords been heard yet?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I think not. Indeed, I know it has not.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that my right hon. Friend has taken his decision before that appeal has been heard?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The decision that I have taken is on an entirely different point from that which is raised in the appeal to the House of Lords. The decision that I have taken is that, after having given the most careful consideration to all the facts of this case, I have come to the conclusion, as stated in my answer, that I could not feel justified at the present time in applying the Trade Boards Act to this trade.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is not that precisely the same reason as that which was given by the late Minister of Labour for not setting up a trade board for this trade?

Mr. LAWSON

Are not the conditions in this industry known to the right hon. Gentleman's Department to be so extremely bad that his predecessor took steps to put the matter right?

Sir H. BETTERTON

Let it be understood at mice that I do not consider it desirable in all cases to follow the precedents set by my predecessor.

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not a fact that the conditions are extremely bad, as shown by the evidence?

Sir H. BETTERTON

That is, of course, entirely a matter of opinion.