asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the complaints as to the attendance at the Court of Referees for the Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire area; whether anything can be done to secure proper representation on these courts and to replace those who do not attend by persons who will do so; whether he is aware that the divisional inspector promised to supply the Trades and Labour Council with these particulars but has not yet done so; and what action he proposes to take?

This complaint relates to the attendance of members from the panels of representatives of employers and employed. I find that the attendance at this court has been irregular. The representatives on the panels are nominated by the Local Employment Committees, and I am bringing the matter to the notice of the Committee concerned, with a view to appropriate action being taken. I am assured that no undertaking of the kind referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend was given by the officer in question.