§ 7. Mr. LYONSasked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement with reference to the introduction of the system of a five-day working week in the boot and shoe industry; and whether he can state the number of undertakings in this trade in which it has been agreed that this shorter week should operate.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADNo, Sir. The National Conference Agreement of January last between the representatives of the Incorporated Federated Associations of Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives substitutes for the 48-hour working week one of 46 hours as from the first week in June, but does not indicate how the adjustment in working hours shall be made, and makes no mention of a five-day week.
§ Mr. LYONSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of industrial concerns in this trade in Leicester have adopted the shorter working week and is his Department in close touch, so that any difficulties, more superficial than real, can be overcome?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADI understand that certain firms are considering the adoption of a five-day week but no actual details are available. My Department naturally keeps in close touch with developments of this kind.
§ Mr. LYONSWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman be willing to receive representations and give the co-operation of his Department to any such firms as are now operating this system of a shorter working week?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADPerhaps the hon. Member will communicate with me on that subject.