§ 6. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the reasons why the following trade boards, namely, Drift-Nets Mending, Great Britain; Flax and Hemp, Great Britain; Furniture 346 Manufacturing, Great Britain; Lace Finishing, Great Britain; Retail Bespoke Tailoring, England and Wales; and Retail Bespoke Tailoring, Scotland; have taken no action under the Holidays with Pay Act, 1938; and what steps he is taking to secure that the employés in these industries obtain the same advantage as in the 40 industries where directions have already been issued by the trade boards?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Furniture Manufacturing Trade Board have not yet held their first meeting. I am informed that the two Retail Bespoke Tailoring Trade Boards have Holiday Directions under consideration, and that the Flax and Hemp Trade Board, in the exercise of their statutory discretion, preferred to deal with the matter by a voluntary agreement. On the matter generally, I would point out that it is for the trade boards to take the initiative and that I have no authority to issue instructions to them.
§ Mr. ManderAre not some of these boards taking a long time to come to a conclusion? Is the Minister using his great powers of persuasion to get them to act?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member was good enough to put a Question down a few days ago asking for a list. He will appreciate the enormous problems involved, and I think he will find that good will seems to have more effect than compulsion.