§ Sir K. FRASERasked the Minister of Labour, having regard to the decreased and diminishing cost of living, what were the special circumstances of the case under which he gave his consent to the proposals of the Tailoring Trade Board to a substantial increase in minimum rates to come into operation at a considerably 986W earlier date than is provided by the normal operation of the Trade Boards Act?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts in this case are not as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. The Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring Trade Board agreed unanimously last November to propose an increase of rates to males and adult females. As the rates which they wished to vary had not been in operation for six months, they were bound under Statute to apply for my consent to such a proposal, and in view of the increase in the cost of living since the original rates were proposed in May and June last respectively, I felt justified in giving my consent. The proposals were accordingly issued, but they will not come before the Board for ratification before the end of March, and I have no doubt that the Board will then carefully consider all relevant factors before coming to a decision. I may add that the proposal in question also included a reduction of rates for female learners.