21. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the Regulations that are being laid down by employment exchanges as to the terms on which women may be engaged for domestic service; whether at an exchange in the Edgware Road, W., the conditions are that the 2138 salary shall be equivalent to the trade union rate for any other industry and that adequate facilities shall be given for the employé to have her friends at her place of work; and whether unemployment donation is granted if a situation cannot be found for those on the register under these conditions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware of any Regulations having been issued by employment exchanges with regard to terms and conditions of employment for adult women in domestic service. My hon. and gallant Friend may, however, be referring to the action of Juvenile Advisory Committees, who before advising a boy or girl to take up a particular place require to be assured that the conditions offered are satisfactory. The situation suggested in the latter part of the question has not arisen, as there is a greater number of vacancies than of suitable applicants Should, however, a case arise of a girl refusing an offer of suitable employment the question as to eligibility for benefit would be dealt with in accordance with the usual procedure.
Colonel NEWMANThe Advisory Committees have laid down these impossible conditions, but cannot they be revised by the Ministry or by anyone else?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly. They laid down conditions with regard to boys and girls, many of whom are seeking service for the first time. In any case the authorities will have to be satisfied that the persons refused suitable employment before unemployment benefit can be paid.
Colonel NEWMANMay I send my right hon. Friend a copy of the statement on which I based my question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, certainly.