§ Sir K. FRASERasked the Minister of Labour how many Trade Boards have been established by his authority during the year 1920; what has been the total cost of administering the Trades Boards Act during the year, including all allowances for expenses made to appointed and representative members; and whether, in view of the existing condition of trade, he will consider whether this method of stereotyping and increasing high costs of production should be discontinued forthwith?
§ Dr. MACNAMARADuring the year 1920, 20 Trade Boards were established in Great Britain and 12 in Ireland. The estimated cost of the administration of the Trade Boards Acts for the financial year ending 31st March, 1921, is £111,000. This figure does not include the cost of stationery, premises and printing, but it includes, in addition to expenses incurred in connection with Trade Boards established, expenditure in connection with the establishment of Trade Boards, which is, of course, non-recurrent. Trade Boards are representative trade bodies constituted of employers and workers in each trade, together with a small minority of independent persons. It is the duty of each Board to fix such minimum 987W rates of wages as the trade with which it is concerned can bear, having regard to all circumstances. The Boards alone can initiate proposals for fixing and varying rates of wages, and I think it may be assured that, having regard to their representative character, these bodies would not fail to take into consideration conditions such as those to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.