IRON & STEEL TRADES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 75, 21 December 1928, Page 7

IRON & STEEL TRADES

INQUIRY PROPOSED IN BRITAIN (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 19. The National Executive of the Labour Party to-day met a committee of the executive of the Confederation of Employers in the iron and steel trades to discuss the conditions of those industries. The Confederation Committee indicated that it contemplated requesting the Government for a full and impartial inquiry into the industries, and asked for the support of the Labour Party to the request. After full consideration, the executive of the Labour Party agreed to render all possible support to the confederation in its request for the proposed inquiry. SAFEGUARDING QUESTION (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 20, 9.25 p.m.) London, December 20. The “Daily Telegraph” states, although the demand for an inquiry into the iron and steel trades does not mention safguarding, this must be envisaged. Strong free trade Labourites expressed the opinion that safeguarding duties are impracticable, and a more likely solution is improved organisation in the industry, and capital readjustments. Other trade union leaders. agree that safeguarding cannot be ruled out as a possible remedy in every industry. Coupled with tlie dress goods, resolutions, the request shows that a section of the trades union leaders are contemplating a change of front from the rigid free trade viewpoint. The Government is expected to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the iron and steel trade.