48. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can state the results of his conference with the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition and others concerned with regard to labour conditions at Wembley and whether he is now satisfied that proper provision is to be made for the health and well-being of those employed in connection with the exhibition, including safeguards as to hours and rates of wages?
§ Mr. LUNNAs a result of the conference which was held on the on the 16th instant, I hope that it will be possible to constitute a works committee on which the various interests and which will be represented and which will facilitate the adjustment of any disputes in connection with the conditions of employment at the British Empire Exhibition. With regard to the second part of the question, I am hopeful that in any cases in which existing conditions are unsatisfactory, the formation of such a works committee will lead to an improvement.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill that investigation or inquiry refer to waiters and waitresses as well as other workers?
Mr. HARVEYWill the hon. Gentleman see that the matter is not left simply in the hope that something will result as the outcome of this committee; and will he insist that proper conditions are observed?
§ Mr. LUNNThis matter has been before my Department for quite a number of weeks. I have met the Trade Union Congress on two occasions, and the interview has been very pleasant, not only on their part but also on the part of the representatives of the exhibition and those employers who have up to now attended, so that I have hopes that by keeping in close contact with the matter we may be able to do something on the lines indicated in my reply.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDoes a representative of Messrs. Lyons attend these conferences?
§ Mr. LUNNHe did not attend at the last meeting, but I am hopeful in that connection that we may be able to meet a representative of that particular firm.