HC Deb 10 March 1925 vol 181 cc1128-9
101. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the public dissatisfaction that was caused last year with regard to the conditions of pay and employment of the waitresses engaged at Wembley, if he is taking steps to prevent a repetition of these conditions; and if he will consider setting up a Trade Board for the catering trade

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

With regard to the first part of the question, I understand that my hon. Friend the Secretary, Overseas Trade Department, has been in communication with the British Empire Exhibition authorities on the question of conditions of employment at Wembley. I would, however, suggest that, in the first place, the matter is one for discussion between the representatives of employers and workers concerned. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, given on 4th March to questions on this subject by the Noble Lord the Member for Derbyshire West (Marquess of Hartington) and others.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Are we to understand from that answer that arrangements will be made for the employés and the British Empire Exhibition authorities to get into consultation: that was not the case last year?

Mr. BETTERTON

Any further questions with regard to Wembley should, I think, be addressed to my hon. Friend the Secretary for the Overseas Department.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

But in view of the heavy guarantee this House has voted since the question was last raised are not the Government taking some power to see that good conditions for these people prevail?

Mr. MACKINDER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the respected or respect able firms in the City of London are paying their waitresses 13s. per week, and will he take steps to see that there is a rate fixed which is decent?

Mr. BETTERTON

All these supplementary questions, I would again suggest, could be more profitably addressed to the Department of Overseas Trade.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Have we no power in view of this heavy guarantee? Has the hon. Gentleman in charge of the Department or this House no power to see that proper conditions prevail?

Mr. SPEAKER

These questions had better be put down.