SHOPS & OFFICES

Grey River Argus, 6 December 1940, Page 3

SHOPS & OFFICES

Consolidation Act BILL BEING PREPARED WELLINGTON December 4. A hope that a draft of a bill consolidating the Shops and Offices’ Act would be prepared and submitted for the copsideration of the parties concerned before Christmas, was expressed to-day by the Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb), in an interview. Ajsked’ if the proposals contained in the draft would be made public Mr. Webb answered, “No, I hope hot. An open controversy on the clauses of the bill would militate against a spirit of harmony which I hope will prevail when the bill is being discussed on its merits by the conference to be held. “I have a very open mind on the matter, and I am anxious that the I bill should meet the, requirements of (industry. If a full -agreement can'not be obtained on .any clause, a compromise may be , made between the parties concerned to meet peculiar conditions arising out of the war.” | Mr. Webb said that in any case the fact that all interested parties would give the proposals full discussion would be very helpful to him in coming to a definite conclusion as to what he would be justified in recommending the Government to propose to Parliament. “I realise that a bill of this.' kind always raises many contentious matters,” Mr. Webb said. “Consequently, it is my opinion that any proposed’ amendments, to the Shops and Offices Act should be thoroughly investigated in order that we may gain full knowledge of what the reaction to industry would mean, particularly during the war period. When the Empire is fighting for its existence we have to be quite sure that every element of energy is placed at the best disposal of the nation, and I think that point of view is becoming more apparent to everybody.”