§ Mr. KENYONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in the inquiry under the Safeguarding of Industries Act in regard to baths the applicants stated that they did not allege that unemployment was then existing; if so, what justification there was for referring the complaint to a committee in view of the heavy costs imposed upon those who opposed the application; and whether, in cases of unjustified applications, the committee will receive power to make an order for costs against the unsuccessful applicants?
§ Mr. BALDWINI understand that in this particular complaint unemployment was alleged by witnesses for the applicants on several occasions, though it was admitted by some of the witnesses that the British baths displaced by recent German imports would have provided employment for a comparatively small number of persons. Neither the Board of Trade nor the committees have power to make orders regarding costs, and I would remind my hon. Friend that under the terms of the Act prospective, as well as actual, effect on employment is a matter which has to be taken into account.