Mr. J. JONESasked the Minister of Labour whether he conveyed to the Laundry Trade Board his confirmation of the rates submitted to him by the Board as from 30th May; whether these rates, which have been twice confirmed by the Laundry Trade Board, were national rates; whether, in these circumstances, he can explain the reasons which led him to write to the Laundry Trade Board on 20th May raising the question of the application of the minimum rates as varied to certain districts; and whether he has received complaints from the workers' representatives that they were seriously prejudiced by this question of principle being raised at so late a stage?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI conveyed to the Laundry Trade Board, on 20th May, my general decision to confirm the rates submitted to me, but indicated that I did not intend to make my confirming Order until after their further meeting on 25th May. I felt it advisable to give the Board an opportunity of considering at that meeting the position of workers in certain outlying areas. They decided to exclude Cornwall and the Orkneys and Shetlands from the scope of the rates as varied. I accordingly confirmed the rates.