2 MAY 1925, Page 3

Lord Bradbury's Court finds unanimously that the construction of Weir

houses is an industry wholly distinct from the building trade. It is pointed out that Leeds and Sheffield- were quite prepared to pay for the work done under the usual " fair wages " clause, which would have satisfied the engineering unions. The Court there- fore cannot admit that the Building Unions have any right whatever to say that their own rates and customs must apply to a wholly different industry. We entirely agree. The Weir scheme has the double aim of reducing -unemployment and helping to solve the housing problem. The need is urgent—even desperate—and when the Building Unions give us such an exhibition of selfish pedantry we feel very much as decent people feel when there is a refusal to help in saving life or in putting out a fire.