§ 53. Mr. Walkdenasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the labour problems of the firms which now produce utility clothing at trade union and trade board standard rates of pay and thereby help to maintain supplies of clothing for the masses at reasonable prices; and what action he proposes to take to ensure more adequate supplies of labour and continuity of production.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am aware of the labour requirements for the production of both utility and non-utility clothing. In some sections of the industry there is a surplus of labour due to shortage of materials. Recruitment is being stimulated by publicity and by bringing opportunities to 362 the notice of individuals seeking employment, and a scheme of training for new entrants has been started. The question of manning up the under-manned industry is one of the matters on which the National Joint Advisory Council have undertaken to assist me.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a terrible situation in the tailoring trade where firms making luxury price goods, suits made at fantastic prices, get lots of labour, and the firms who have utility contracts get very little; and can he not stimulate the flow in the opposite direction?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt is for those people who employ the workers and pay their wages to take their share of this responsibility. It is not the business of the Ministry of Labour at present to say that people are to go to certain jobs on certain rates of payment.
§ Mr. WalkdenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, in the main, the best employers are those who are in the regulated trades, the utility trades, and that they have this difficulty because their behaviour is good? It is the bad behaviour of the other people which causes the trouble.
§ Mr. IsaacsIf the hon. Gentleman can give me any particulars of any behaviour contrary to the Wages Council Regulations, I will look into it.