§ 10. Mr. Boothasked the Minister of Labour if the Engineering Employers Federation or any of the unions concerned requested a reference of all aspects of pay and conditions of staff workers in the engineering industry to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and whether he will give an assurance that on receiving a general or unanimous objection by unions and employers to the reference as a whole or any part of it, he will withdraw it.
§ Mr. GunterBefore this reference was made I consulted the Engineering Em-88W ployers Federation and the six trade unions concerned. Although the trade unions would have preferred not to have the reference made. I understand that both they and the Federation will assist the Board in its inquiry. My right hon. Friend the First Secretary and I consider that the inquiry will be a most useful one, and there is no question of withdrawing the reference.