HC Deb 04 December 1934 vol 295 cc1397-9
19. Mr. LYONS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet considered the report of Sir Richard Redmayne upon the working of the five-day week at Messrs. Boots, Limited; and whether he can make any statement thereupon?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I understand that a copy of this report has been sent to all hon. Members and its contents, therefore, will be known to them. I regard this inquiry as of very great value. As the report, however, itself makes clear, there are particular circumstances connected with this case which make it necessary to be cautious in drawing general deductions from the inquiry, but in my opinion it strengthens the case for the detailed examination, industry by industry, of all factors affecting employment and unemployment which I hope may be undertaken with the co-operation both of the employers and the employed.

Mr. LYONS

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, may I ask whether any date has been fixed for the commencement of the conferences which he indicated some time ago would occur?

Mr. STANLEY

I cannot give an exact date. Unfortunately, owing to the pressure of business in this House connected with the Depressed Areas Bill and the regulations, I have had to postpone the meeting until after Christmas.

Mr. LYONS

May we take it that these conferences will take place as early as possible in 1935?

Mr. STANLEY

indicated assent.

Mr. THORNE

In view of this very satisfactory report, will the right hon. Gentleman advise all Government Departments to put this scheme into operation?

Mr. STANLEY

I do not know whether the hon. Member has read the report, but, if so, he will see that there are special circumstances in the case which may not be applicable to every industry.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, according to the report, the firm in question has stated that the experiment is very satisfactory, and a great benefit both to the firm and the employés?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the Government back the great number of trade unions that are pressing now for the five-day week? What is the Government's attitude towards the public opinion that is very strong in the country to-day on this question, as a means of relieving unemployment?

Mr. STANLEY

I have already been asked that question and have answered it. I am not going to make any general statement one way or another. I hope at the earliest possible date to go into the problem industry by industry, to see in each case what we can do to help in this problem.

Mr. G. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a list of the representative employers and workpeople whom he has invited to meet him and discuss the matter?

Mr. STANLEY

No. The position is that in the first instance I have invited the National Federation of Employers and the Trade Union Congress to meet me, and I hope to arrange with them for further programmes of discussion if it is advisable.