§ Mr. Whiteasked the Minister of Labour what is the present position of his inquiries into the hours and conditions of work in the retail distributive trades?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have been for some time in consultation with representatives of the organisations of employers and workers concerned. Joint sub-committees have now been set up to formulate proposals as to suitable machinery for regulating wages and conditions. The subcommittees are engaged in active exploration of a complex subject, and I am satisfied that real progress is being made. I would point out also that since these discussions commenced a number of distributive undertakings have made agreements1190W which are giving satisfaction to both sides.