At present there seem to be divided opinions as to
whether a large Joint-Conference is the best machinery, or whether both sides ought to rely upon negotiations in the individual trades. Sir Josiah Stamp has repeatedly pointed out that a large conference is likely to be disap- pointing for the same reason that the National Industrial Council failed after the War. At such a Conference only generalities can be discussed, and when certain generalities are agreed upon they are apt not to satisfy the individual trades because they do not and cannot deal with special or local grievances. The next step is for the individual trades to adapt the general resolutions to their own needs. At the end of that process very little is left of them. For these reasons we have no doubt that Sir Josiah Stamp's strong insistence upon individual negotiations is well founded. On the other hand, we are by no means blind to the valuable work which the proposed Joint-Conference could perform in laying down broad principles. Sir Josiah will himself, no doubt, be a member of the Joint- Conference, and he and those who agree with him will keep the debates moving in the right direction.
