§ Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Lab our the present position of the proposal to establish a trade board for the optical trade; whether the proposal was first made in June, 1920; the reason for the delay; whether the delay is due to objections on the part of certain employers; whether he has agreed to a proposal that the mass production workers should have a separate board apart from the prescription workers; whether he is aware of the independence 1140W of both branches of the trade; and whether he will take early steps to establish one board of the whole Ministry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of the establishment of a trade board for the optical trade was under discussion between the trade and the Department in June, 1920. The delay which has ensued has been due to the complexities of the trade and the difficulty of deciding whether one trade board would appropriately cover the two main sections to which my hon. Friend refers. After full consideration I have come to the conclusion that if the Acts were to be applied to the trade, two boards would have to be established, but I am still awaiting further information as to the conditions in the trade before reaching a decision.
Major BARNESasked the Minister of Lab our whether he will favorably consider means by which members of authenticated societies of consumers may be represented upon trade boards, in order that the standpoint of the public may be considered?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Trade Boards Acts do not provide for the representation of societies of consumers upon a trade board, but the general machinery of trade board administration, and especially the opportunity given during the two months period fixed by the Acts for lodging objections after a proposal for fixing rates has been issued, would appear to give all interests an opportunity of having their point of view considered.