§ Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, although after protracted negotiations the definitions of two Trade Boards for the women's and children's clothing trades were agreed upon at a conference between representatives of the Ministry of Labour and the employers and employés concerned, held on 18th March, 1919, and the Order applying the Trade Board Acts to the trades named was made at the beginning of September, 1919, the board has not yet met; what is the reason of the long delay in issuing the Order and calling the Board together; will he take steps to expedite the date of the first meeting; has he decided to make an Order applying the Trade Board Acts to the women's and children's clothing trades carried on in Ireland; and, if so, when will it be issued?
Sir R. HORNSAlthough it was generally agreed in March last that it was desirable to establish two trade boards for the women's clothing trade, the definition and demarcation of the branches of trade to be covered by these boards proved to be a matter of great difficulty, necessitating careful inquiry into the circumstances in which the trades were carried on. As the hon. Member will appreciate, if there were doubt as to the scope of the trade boards, the task or administering their decisions would be very difficult, and confusion would be caused on the part both of employers and of workers. The Special260W Order, which was made on 3rd September, after the statutory period for objections, applies to the whole of the United Kingdom. It is hoped that the Wholesale Costume and Mantle Trade Board for Great Britain will meet on 17th December and the Dressmaking and Light Clothing Trade Board for England and Wales shortly after. Trade Boards are being formed in Ireland for both these trades, and a Trade Board for the dressmaking and light clothing trade also in Scotland. The formation of these Boards is being pressed forward. The task of obtaining members fully representative of the various branches of work in these great and widely distributed trades has necessarily involved careful and prolonged inquiries and consultation with the organisations of employers and workers in order that the Boards may be in a position to arrive at informed decisions which will be satisfactory to all concerned.