48. Viscountess ASTORasked the Minister of Labour whether he has maintained observation as to wages and conditions in the catering and drapery trades since the investigations made by his Department in 1926; whether in any district any substantial change in wages and conditions has been observed to take place; and whether he, as the result of such continued observation, has been led to reconsider his decision not to establish Trade Boards for these trades?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the two latter parts in the negative.
Viscountess ASTORIn view of the fact that recent investigations have revealed that all women of 21 years of age——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Noble Lady's question seems to be in writing. I would like to see it.
Viscountess ASTORIt is not entirely in writing. Arising out of the fact that all women over 21 years of age, or a great majority of them, in the catering 1366 trade were receiving 30s. a week, including tips, and as Mr. Seebohm Rowntree's "The Human Needs of Labour" gave as a standard for women 36s. a week, does not the Minister of Labour think that there is really a need for a Trade Board for these women?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is even more of a speech than I thought.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain very alarming figures as to the conditions of women, in the catering trade particularly, have recently been published, and is his Department prepared to undertake a special inquiry into this matter under Trade Board Regulations?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member will show me any figures, I will certainly consider them.