§ 71 Mr. PENNYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that some of the waiters who attend the telephones in the catering department of the British Empire Exhibition cannot speak the English language; and whether he can arrange for the engagement of people of British nationality who are at present drawing unemployment benefit in substitution of aliens in this connection?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have been asked to reply. I am aware that a certain number of waiters employed by the caterers at the British Empire Exhibition are foreign, but I am informed by the exhibition authorities that they do not exceed 4 per cent. of the total staff engaged in waiting. I understand that arrangements are being made to ensure that foreign waiters shall not answer the telephone.
§ Mr. PENNYMay I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving me that reply, and also ask him if he will try and establish Esperanto there?