HC Deb 05 March 1924 vol 170 cc1375-6
44. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the low rate of wages prevailing generally in the distributive trades and the lack of organisation among the workers, he will cause Trade Boards to be set up to cover the whole of the distributive trades?

Mr. SHAW

I am examining this subject in response to representations which I have received from the National Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if he is considering the setting up of Trade Boards, remember the catering trades, where the conditions are particularly bad for women?

Mr. SHAW

Any trade in which the conditions are particularly bad for either men or women will be remembered.

Mr. BECKER

Will the hours of these workers, shop assistants and others, be regulated under the Washington Convention?

Mr. SHAW

The House will see, when the Convention is put before it—as I hope it will be—that there is doubt as to whether these workers will come within its scope or not.