HC Deb 10 January 1918 vol 101 cc331-2W
Mr. FIELD

asked the Minister of Labour what preliminary steps have been taken to arrange wages boards for urban districts in Ireland; whether it is necessary that legislation should be passed on this subject; and, if so, will the Government introduce a Bill early next Session?

Mr. G. ROBERTS

Inquiries are being made into the conditions prevailing in a number of trades that are carried on in various parts of Great Britain and Ireland, with a view to ascertaining whether it is advisable that they should be brought under the Trade Boards Act. Legislation will be required for any such extension of the scope of the Act, and a Bill has been prepared, which will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary exigencies permit, which will facilitate the application of the Act to trades that need its protection.