HC Deb 01 February 1938 vol 331 c24
55. Sir Assheton Pownall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the committees set up in England and Scotland to formulate schemes for the better organisation of the baking industry have yet reported?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. In view of these reports I have decided to publish a draft Special Order applying the Trade Boards Acts, and the necessary preliminary steps are now being taken. I should add that in Scotland there are grounds for hoping that it will be possible by voluntary agreements as to wages and conditions to limit the field for statutory rates.

Mr. Banfield

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his very best to hurry this matter, so that no undue delay may occur before a beginning is made with this reform?

Mr. Brown

There will be no undue delay, save in complying with the normal provisions relating to the giving of 40 days' notice, and consultations taking place, and the holding of an inquiry if there is any disagreement.