§ 51. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Labour whether the negotiations by his Department with the trade unions and the employers' associations in the furniture trade are completed; and will he make a statement in regard to the purpose of the negotiations, and the progress made or success achieved?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)The purpose of the discussions to which the hon. Member refers was to find a means by which the unsatisfactory conditions which exist in certain sections of the trade could be effectively improved. The discussions which have taken place have made it clear that it is impossible, having regard to the limited extent of organisation of employers and workpeople, to achieve effective regulation of the wages and working conditions by voluntary joint machinery. I am, therefore, of opinion that it is expedient to apply the Trade Boards Acts to the trade and a conference of all the organisations concerned is to be convened for the 28 purpose of discussing the various questions arising from this decision.
§ Mr. McEnteeCan the right hon. Gentleman say what organisation was responsible for the inability of his Department to get an extension of voluntary agreements?
§ Mr. BrownThat is an entirely different question. I hope the hon. Member, will see that if we get the parties concerned around a table we shall get the facts brought out.