§ Mr. G. BALFOURasked the Minister of Labour whether the new rates of wages submitted by the Grocery and Provision Trade Board, which would give an immediate increase in wages to all sections of workers in the food distribution trade, were approved by the Trade Board by a majority of three, the minority of 25, consisting of the employers' representatives; whether, seeing that the confirmation of these rules by the Ministry of Labour would involve an increase in the cost of food to the consumer, he will refer the rates back to the Board for reconsideration on the ground that when these rates were first agreed by the Board the cost of living was much in excess?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, given on the 8th June to questions on this matter. I should add that I have since heard personally the representations of the employers' and workers' sides of the Board, and a full statement of all aspects of the case has been placed before me.