HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 c1841
29. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present practice by many firms in the distributive trade of not paying wages until after closing time on Saturdays is the cause of much inconvenience, and in some cases hardship, to those employed, and at the same time results in a large amount of Sunday trading being necessary; that the various trade associations and grocers' associations, and especially the annual general meeting of the shop assistants' union, suggest that wages should be paid on Friday so that earlier shopping on Saturday may result; and whether he is prepared to amend the existing Trade Board Act by the insertion of a Clause that will definitely provide for payment of wages at a time which will allow those employed the opportunity of purchasing during normal hours and in the open market?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am aware that resolutions in the sense stated have been adopted by certain trade associations; but the matter would not, in my view, fall within the scope of Trade Board legislation