§ 7.0 p.m.
§ Mr. ENTWISTLEI beg to move, in page 5, line 36, at the end, to insert:
(2) For the purposes of this Act all weavers employed in the industry shall be deemed to form a single class, and other classes shall be determined in like manner by reference to the several occupations of the persons employed.This Amendment is of a drafting character, but is nevertheless important. It is essential that the definition of a "class" should be perfectly clear. As the words stand in Clause 1, it is arguable that the class referred to there might be covered by a local association which makes a district agreement with regard to wages. Furthermore, one section of a class, such as, for example, weavers might be deemed to be a class for the purposes of Clause 1. If one thing is clear, it is that the Bill does not mean to sanction agreements unless they are of a national character. They must apply to the industry as a whole. This subsection defining the word "class" is therefore necessary to make that point perfectly clear.
Mr. HUDSONI agree with the hon. Member who moved this Amendment that this definition is an improvement, and we are prepared to accept it.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Clause 8 (Short title and duration of Sections 1 and 2) ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Schedule (Areas in which Cotton Manufacturing Industry is carried on) agreed to.
§ Bill reported; as amended, considered; read the Third time, and passed.