HC Deb 19 November 1920 vol 134 cc2267-9W
Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the resolution passed by the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce urging the need of standardising

during the nine months ended 30th September, 1920?

The following are the particulars which Sir R. Horne then promised, as stated in the OFFICIAL REPORT (col. 813):

the rate of remuneration of middle-women in the lace trade; and whether, in view of the unanimity of opinion in the trade as to the necessity for this reform, he will either make a special order or introduce legislation to bring it into effect?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have received various representations to this effect, including one from the Lace and Net Finishing Trade Board. I am advised that I have no power which would enable me to make a special Order under the Trade Boards Acts extending the protection of these Acts to middle-women who are not employed persons within the meaning of those Acts. I would remind my Noble Friend that this class of worker is not peculiar to the lace trade, and I am bound to have in mind the circumstances of the other trades which would be affected by any legislation. But I can assure him that the matter is engaging my close attention.