§ Sir WATSON RUTHERFORDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a considerable number of employés in the grocery trade have been asking for an increase in their wages and have been informed that nothing can be done at present as a Trade Board had been appointed in conjunction with that trade; whether such a Board was, in fact, appointed as stated in February, 1919, or on what other date: whether such Board has in hand the question of wages in the grocery trade; and when their decisions may be expected?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to reply. A Trade Board for the Grocery and Provisions trade (England and Wales) was established by Regulations dated the 23rd June, 1920. The first meeting was held on the 20th July, and on the 3rd November the Board issued a Notice of Proposal to fix minimum rates of wages for male shop assistants and male porters. The Board also issued, on the 16th November, a Notice of Proposal to fix minimum rates of wages for female shop assistants and female porters. Under the procedure laid down by statute, the Notice is advertised for two months, during which objections may be lodged against the proposals. After that time, the Board meets to consider any objections, and, if it decides to fix rates as proposed, they are submitted to me for confirmation.