HC Deb 10 July 1941 vol 373 cc288-9
9. Sir Annesley Somerville

asked the Minister of Labour what requests he has received to issue instructions, of a kind that might influence their decisions, to the independent persons appointed by the Ministry of Labour to act in a judicial capacity as members of trade boards; and will he bring to the notice of these boards the necessity of taking into consideration the Government's declared policy to stabilise the cost of living?

Mr. Bevin

I have myself received no request of this kind, and, for the reason given to my hon. Friend in my reply of 3rd July, I should consider it quite improper to comply with such a request, or to take any equivalent action such as my hon. Friend suggests in the second part of his Question.

Sir A. Somerville

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is of the highest importance that trade boards should fully realise the importance of taking into consideration such a policy?

Mr. Bevin

I am quite certain that the chairmen of the trade boards are such competent people that they take all relevant factors into consideration. I will not take any step to interfere with them in their judicial function.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not a fact that any increase in wages always follows an increase in the cost of living?