
      It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to
    ascertain the effect of the customs laws, and the effect thereon of
    the state of the currency, in the United States, on the
    agricultural industry, especially as to its effect on mortgage
    indebtedness of farmers. He shall also establish a system of
    reports by which, at intervals of not less than two years, he can
    report the general condition, so far as production is concerned, of
    the leading industries of the country. He is also specially charged
    to investigate the causes of, and facts relating to, all
    controversies and disputes between employers and employees as they
    may occur, and which may tend to interfere with the welfare of the
    people of the different States. He shall also obtain such
    information upon the various subjects committed to him as he may
    deem desirable from different foreign nations, and what, if any,
    convict-made goods are imported into this country, and if so from
    whence.

                                AMENDMENTS                            
      1928 - Act May 29, 1928, repealed provisions requiring reports to
    Congress on investigations required by this section, and is
    authority for omission of "and report as to" after "ascertain" in
    first sentence and "and report thereon to Congress" at end of third
    sentence relating to information from foreign nations, and convict
    made goods.

Last modified: April 16, 2006