§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Minister of Labour the number of schemes of co-partnership or profit-sharing which were in existence at the end of 1919; the number which have been started since; and the number now in existence?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe number of schemes of co-partnership or profit sharing in ordinary businesses (apart from co-operative societies) known to have been in existence at the end of 1919 was 200, including five schemes described576W as suspended, but not abandoned. Since that date 47 further schemes are known to have been started. On the other hand, 13 have been abandoned, including two of those which were suspended at the end of 1919. The number of schemes now in existence, according to the latest information available, is 234, including three schemes suspended but not abandoned. It should be observed, however, that the latest general inquiry made by the Department on this subject was undertaken in the summer of 1921, and that notification of new schemes or of the suspension or abandonment of old schemes is not compulsory. The figures given, therefore, may be subject to revision when later information is available. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the "Labour Gazette" for September, 1921, giving the latest statistics prepared by the Department with reference to co-partnership and profit-sharing.