§ 40. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Minister of Labour whether he can explain why there is such a shortage of women labour in laundries; and whether the Government is continuing to pay unemployment pay to women who refuse laundry work?
§ Mr. PRATTThe shortage of women labour in laundries is probably attributable to the relatively low wages offered in many cases, coupled with long hours and other conditions which do not make this class of work in general attractive to women applicants for employment. With a view to establishing a more satisfactory level of wages the Department is proposing to set up a trade board for the industry.
As regards out-of-work donation, women for whom laundry work is regarded as a suitable occupation have this work offered to them, and if they decline it their right to remain on donation is referred to a Court of Referees for decision.
§ Mr. TERRELLCould he say what the rate of pay is which is considered unsuitable which is being offered to these women?
§ 42. Major PRESCOTTasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that over 5,000 women in Tottenham are at present 1731 drawing out-of-work donation pay at the rate of 25s. per week, and that a considerable number of local firms report a shortage of skilled women labour in departments that have again become important due to the change over of work; and whether he is prepared to recommend that, in the case of women who are desirous of learning a new trade but who are not able to earn full wages whilst in the course of tuition, a grant should be made by the Government to help them during this period, similar to the grants made to women while under instruction for the manufacture of munitions of war?
§ Mr. PRATTWith regard to the first part of the question, it is correct that over 5,000 women are drawing donation at Tottenham. The local demand, however, for skilled women workers registered at the Exchange is small. The suggestions made in the second part of the question are under consideration.