HC Deb 01 December 1938 vol 342 cc567-8
12. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Labour what precautions are taken to ensure that trade union standards of labour and wages are observed in new industries which are assisted to establish themselves in trading estates and the Special Areas generally?

Mr. E. Brown

The wages and conditions of employment in factories established on trading estates and in the Special Areas are a matter for negotiation between the parties concerned in the usual manner, subject to the observance of such statutory conditions as may be applicable to particular industries, for example, the Trade Boards Acts.

Mr. Mathers

Can we have the assurance of the Minister that proper trade union standards of labour and wages will be observed in the new industries which are set up, because there is a fear that they are undermining industries in other parts of the country?

Mr. Brown

That is not so. It is not only my desire that these standards should be observed, but the attention of employers is drawn to the recognised rate of wages.

Mr. Lawson

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to keep himself informed of the conditions in these industries?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member knows that our Industrial Relations Department is very well informed of the conditions in all these cases.