HC Deb 20 April 1939 vol 346 cc476-7
9. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Labour whether any progress has been made in the efforts to regulate wages and conditions in the furniture industry; what organisations of employers and of work men his Department has recently held conversations with; whether there is a readiness to negotiate on a standard of wages and conditions amongst these organisations; which organisations re fused to negotiate; and will he make a statement in regard to the matter?

Mr. E. Brown

Discussions have been taking place, on the employers' side, with organisations throughout the country which are members of the British Furniture Trades Committee and the Furniture Manufacturers' Association and, on the workers' side, with the trade unions having members engaged in the industry, with a view to formulating a scheme for the effective regulation of wages and working conditions. No organisation has refused to co-operate with the Department in these discussions, and further meetings will shortly be held.

Mr. McEntee

Has any organisation refused to enter into an agreement of any kind with the workmen with the object of settling standards of wages and conditions?

Mr. Brown

I would prefer at the moment, since negotiations are going on with the Department, to make no further comment. The situation is not an easy one.

Mr. McEntee

I am aware that the situation is not an easy one, but is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to answer a question whether any organisations have refused to enter into an agreement on wages and conditions?

Mr. Brown

I prefer to make no comment at the moment. With regard to the Department, no organisation has refused to take part in discussions. Since further meetings are to be held, I prefer to maintain my first answer.