§ Mr. CLYNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any Department has Government contracts at present running with employers involved in the dispute in the hollow-ware trade in Staffordshire; and, if so, whether the terms of the Fair-Wages Clause can be applied in a manner to prevent the low rates of wages which the workers receive?
Mr. BUXTONThe Board of Trade have no contracts running for hollow-ware. I have no information as regards contracts of other Government Departments.
§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the facts revealed in connection with the dispute in the hollow-ware trade in Staffordshire; whether he is aware that women are on strike to secure a minimum of 10s. for fifty-four hours work; and whether he can take steps to include this industry within the scope of the Trade Boards Act?
Mr. BUXTONI propose at an early date to consider the question of the desirability of a cautious extension of the scope of the Trade Boards Act by Provisional Order. When the time comes the case of the hollow-ware trade will certainly be amongst those which will receive careful examination, but I cannot say at present what the result of that examination will be. My hon. Friend will of course, understand that no Order made for the purpose can take effect unless subsequently confirmed by a Bill passed through Parliament.