§ 21 and 22. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Minister of Labour (1) what proportion of waitresses are shown by the results of his recent investigation in the light refreshment and dining-room section of the catering trade to be receiving wages, 409 exclusive of tips, of 20s. per week or less, 15s. per week or less, and 15s. per week or less respectively; and what is the average amount of tips received per week by such waitresses in the light refreshment section of the trade and in the dining-room section of the trade respectively;
(2) whether, in view of his decision that wages and conditions in the grocery, catering, drapery, and meat distributive trades do not call for action under the Trade Boards Acts, he will state what evidence is required to prove the existence of sweating in any trade?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)The reports shortly to be published will contain a summary of the information available with regard to wages and conditions in the catering trade and the other trades mentioned, and will disclose the facts on the basis of which the Government came to their decision.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWill that report contain information showing not only the tips which may or may not be granted to these people, but the deductions made by the employers for various reasons out of their weekly wages?
§ Mr. BETTERTONYes, the question of tipping is gone into.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it considered that there is no sweating in these trades?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI would ask the hon. Member to wait till he sees the Report, which embraces the whole subject.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERWhen will the Report be available to Members of the House?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWill it be laid before the Easter Recess?
§ Mr. BETTERTONWith regard to two—meat and drapery—in a few days. The other two Reports will follow shortly after.