The Prime Minister last week accepted in principle the important
proposals made by the Joint Committee of the National Industrial Conference for a standard working day and a minimum rate of wages in every trade. He said in his letter, which was read to the Committee, that a Bill was being drafted to extend the principle of the cotton operatives' Ten Hours Act and the miners' Eight Hours Act to all other industries. Forty-eight hours would constitute the normal working week, pith exceptions, such as for farm labourers at harvest time, or for seamen and domestic servants. In regard to minimum rates of wages, the Prime Minister said that he would appoint a Commission to work out a scheme, as the subject was full of difficulties. He recommended the Conference to set up a National Industrial Council, whose.first task should be to con- sider the urgent question of unemployment.. It would be well it the Government on their part .were to consider the question on its positive side. Industry will revive speedily if Depart. ments cease to hinder it, and if Ministers by pursuing a steady and cautious. policy promote confidence in the business world.
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