§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on most of the work connected with the extension of tube railways and similar undertakings the double shift of 12 hours is in operation notwithstanding that all agreements provide for an average of 48 hours per working week; and will he take steps to induce the contractors to adopt the eight-hour three-shift system so as to provide work for a much greater number of the unemployed?
§ Sir M. BARLOWRepresentations have been made to my Department that the 1805W methods of working adopted in the cases referred to are not in accordance with the Working Rule Agreement of the Civil Engineering Construction Conciliation Board for Great Britain. That Agreement provides that the Secretary of either side may summon a meeting of the Board at short notice to consider matters in dispute, and it has been suggested to those who made representations that they should take steps to secure such consideration of any case which may occur.