Colonel THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is a good deal of discontent with some of the men employed at the flax works in Dorset-shire because some of them are working from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on week days and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, for which they are receiving 32s. 6d. per week, whilst others working from 8 a.m. until 5 a.m. on week days and from 8 a.m. until 5 o'clock on Saturdays only get 30s., 1711W and that in some cases the men are only receiving 27s, 6d. per week; if he is aware that a man by the name of A. J. Taylor, who resides at North Allington, Bridport, received a letter from Mr. J. Shilton, acting deputy manager at the local office of the unemployment fund, in which he stated that, as trade is generally slack, it would be advisable to accept these terms offered; whether the acting deputy manager is acting in the best interests of the men in giving such advice, and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI am having inquiry made into the matter referred to by the hon. Member, and hope to be able to give to him, within the next day or two, a detailed reply to the questions raised.