§ 3. Mrs. Cazalet Keirasked the Minister of Labour when the report of Miss Markham and Miss Hancock on the future proposals for domestic service will be published.
§ Mr. BevinThere is little I can add at the moment to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 7th December, except to say that the consultations with my colleague which I mentioned are nearly completed.
§ Mrs. KeirCan the right hon. Gentleman say when this report will be published? Is it not a fact that it was presented to him at the beginning of last summer?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir, but it is a very involved question, and I have to consult all the Departments concerned. I hope to receive the inter-departmental report in a few days.
§ 8. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Labour whether there is any increase now available in personnel to help in domestic households.
§ Mr. BevinThe highest priority is given to the supply of domestic workers to households where the lack of domestic help is causing exceptional hardship. During the twelve months ended 3rd January, 1945, 18,715 vacancies were filled in households of this character.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesCan my right hon. Friend say whether he has any check on, or control of, the way in which women personnel are being used in the Services; is he aware that a lot of old people and invalids in households are constantly getting letters from their daughters saving 366 that they have nothing to do in the Services at all; is it not a fact that he has taken their sacrifice for granted all these years, and when does he expect to be able to make some amelioration in their situation?
§ Mr. BevinIn answer to the last point, I shall be glad to be able to give amelioration immediately the war with Germany is over. I cannot answer for the Services, but as far as I am able to inform myself, there is no substantial waste going on at the present time.