§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West Ham Poor Law Commissioners have decided to close down the Cumberland Road stores (county borough of West Ham), from which people who are receiving Poor Law relief were able to purchase various commodities at a much cheaper rate than from the shopkeepers; and if he can give any reasons why the grocery department is being closed down?
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§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINMy attention has not previously been called to this matter, and, as at present advised, I see no reason to inquire into it.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West Ham Union Poor Law Commissioners have decided to abolish the 48-hour working week and the eight-hour day of a number of their employ és, and to increase the hours to 10 or more per day, without in any way consulting the members or officials of the unions concerned; that this is a violation of the agreements agreed to by the Ministers of the various Government Departments and also a violation of the principles recognised by all the Whitley 405W councils, and that it is a recognised established principle in Government Departments, Government dockyards, and the Woolwich Arsenal that, before any reduction in wages or increase in hours of labour is put into operation, negotiations must take place between chiefs of the Departments and the officials and the men of the trade unions concerned; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received certain representations on this matter, and am in communication with the Board of Guardians.