HC Deb 16 June 1938 vol 337 cc370-1
22. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Labour the total cost of the Unemployment Assistance Board's administration since its inception?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the reply includes a tabular statement, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply: The administration of unemployment allowances commenced on 7th January, 1935, and the following table shows the approximate cost of administration of the Unemployment Assistance Board for the calendar years 1935, 1936 and 1937. Information for 1938 is not yet available.

Industrial Court is still proceeding after a period of many weeks at Messrs. Falk, Stadelmans, London; that the firm named tender for both Government and local council contracts; and whether he will inform the House what steps are being taken by his Department to endeavour to see that in this case acceptance of the Industrial Court's decisions shall be accepted and to bring about a settlement of the dispute, and thus sustain a policy of adherence to the fair-wages and conditions clauses of Government and local councils standing orders laid down by precedent?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My Department has discussed with the parties the matters at issue between them on numerous occasions and joint conferences have been arranged, but I regret that no mutually agreeable basis of settlement has been reached. The question whether the conditions of employment now in operation at the firm satisfy the requirements of the Fair Wages Clauses contained in any contracts the firm may hold, is a matter for consideration by the Departments or bodies placing the contracts.

Mr. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that in a few days there will be a big shareholders' meeting of this company, and will the Department take the opportunity of expressing to that meeting the desirability of placating this dispute and getting it settled?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The attitude of the Department that all disputes are regrettable will be known to these shareholders and, indeed, to all shareholders.

Mr. Robinson

I am asking the Minister, seeing that a shareholders' meeting is to be held shortly, whether the Department will make a special effort to convince that meeting that this dispute ought to be ended because of the desire of the Government for peace in industry?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think that that would be a useful or appropriate occasion for the good offices of the Department to be used.

Mr. Jagger

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that where an employer is disregarding the Industrial Court's award he is prima facie not observing the conditions laid down in Government contracts?