§ 2. Mr. Dayasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed the inquiries he instituted into the working conditions of the employés engaged in the cinematograph industry; and what further action he now proposes to take?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, as I have stated previously, a number of agreements 345 have been made for various districts, and discussions relating to other districts are still proceeding. The services of my Department are at all times available to render such assistance as may be possible and desired.
§ Mr. DayWhat arrangements, if any, are made for the small exhibitors who own only one small hall and are not members of any association?
§ Mr. BrownThat is a question which should like to see on the Paper. The hon. Member will appreciate that in all industrial matters we prefer to proceed by way of collective agreements between representative bodies of employers and employed.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister not aware that some of the conditions are scandalous and that this matter is being neglected?
§ Mr. BrownI am sure that we are proceeding in the most effective way to get a remedy for the defects that we want remedied. A number of agreements have already been made and others are now in process of negotiation. That, in my judgment, is the best way of proceeding.
§ Mr. EdeCan the Minister give any estimate of the proportion of people in this industry who are now covered by agreements?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member should see what I have said. We are always at the disposal of the industry. As the House knows, it is better for the men and the employers' organisations concerned to seek voluntary agreement than for the Ministry to intervene, and perhaps do more harm than good.