§ 86. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the statement made by the National Federation of Women Workers that women have not refused occupations at anything like a decent wage of 25s. a week or over; and is he aware that dressmakers at the West End of London are prepared to pay a weekly wage far exceeding that amount, but are unable to obtain hands; and will he institute an inquiry at the dressmaking establishments at the West End of London and ascertain how many situations are awaiting suitable applicants, and at a suitable remuneration for services rendered?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy attention has been called to this statement. I am aware that dressmaking establishments in the West End are in want of hands. The main difficulty in satisfying their requirements is that the demand is mainly for skilled and experienced hands, while the supply, consists largely of women, who lack the requisite skill and experience. I have, however, for some time past been in communication with representatives of the trade with a view to seeing how far the difficulties can be remedied.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that dressmakers are prepared at the present time to pay from 24s. to 25s. a week to unskilled hands and to teach them their trade, and will he endeavour to bring these dressmakers and the unemployed women into communication?
§ Mr. WARDLEThey are constantly in communication.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKENo; they are not.