§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state his decision on the views expressed by the Association of Joint Industrial Councils and Interim Industrial Reconstruction 389W Committees with reference to the points raised by them with regard to the boot and shoe trade; and whether he is prepared to give effect to the views they expressed on the subject of compulsory extension of Joint Industrial Council decisions?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAs the hon. and gallant Member is probably aware, the association is not representative of all Joint Industrial Councils. It seemed to me, having regard to the importance of the issues involved, that it was necessary to afford all Joint Industrial Councils an opportunity of stating their views on the proposals, and I have, therefore, addressed a communication to all the councils asking for their observations on the subject.