asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of establishments which were covered at July 1st, 1934, by the Women's Clothing and Millinery Trade Board; the number of such establishments which were inspected by officers of the Trade Board during the year 1934; the number of establishments in which it was ascertained as a result of inspection that the determinations of the Trade Board were not complied with; the number of prosecutions instituted against the proprietors of establishments in regard to which non-compliance was alleged and the results secured by these prosecutions; whether in fact the members of the Women's Clothing and Millinery Trade Board adopted a resolution expressing their dissatisfaction with the efforts of the Department to secure compliance with the determinations of the Trade Board; whether he is aware that employers who comply with the orders made by the Trade Board are placed at a disadvantage in competing for business against firms which do not observe the statutory conditions of employment prescribed by the Trade Board and what steps he proposes taking to secure more general compliance with its determinations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothing and Millinery Trade Board.
The number of establishments covered by the Women's Clothing and Millinery Trade Board in 1934 was 725. While only 258 firms were inspected during the past year, these included all the larger firms so that the percentage of the total workers inspected was very much higher than the percentage calculated by firms. Contraventions of the Board's determinations were discovered in 35 cases. One-third of these were cases in which individual dressmakers were working on a small scale. In six other cases arrears have been paid subsequent to inspection and rates adjusted to the proper level. The rates paid in the remaining cases are still the subject of correspondence. No prosecutions were taken in 1934. The Board expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts of the Department to secure compliance, and I have taken steps to arrange for a more complete inspection of the firms engaged in this industry.