§ 21. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour whether he will be in a position to give a report on the negotiations he is having with the employers on the curtailment of overtime before the House rises for Whitsuntide?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe discussions which my predecessor and I have had with the 1347 representatives of various industries were on the general subject of the absorption of more workpeople into employment and their object was mainly to stimulate active consideration within the industries of the various questions which arise. Among these is the possibility of increasing the number of persons in employment by reducing hours of work and by restricting overtime. Last week I met representatives of the distributive trades, this morning I met representatives of the catering trade and this afternoon I am meeting both employers' and trade union representatives in the cotton industry. I am assured that the effect of the discussions has been to cause closer attention to be given to these questions, but I am not at present in a position to make a report which would add materially to the information which I have already given to the House.
§ Mr. TINKERIf I put a question down after Whitsuntide will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement?
§ Mr. BROWNI cannot say, but if a subsequent question is put down I will try to bring the information up to date by way of a general report.