§ 30. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Minister of Labour how many Trade Boards have been set up since 1924; and whether any new ones are contemplated?
§ Mr. BETTERTONA Trade Board was set up for Drift Nets Mending in November, 1925, and under Regulations of the 26th October last my right hon. Friend is about to proceed to the appointment of a Board for the Keg and Drum Trade.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs the hon. Member proposing to set up a Trade Board in the catering industry, which is in great need of one?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DAYIs the hon. Member aware that in the catering trade some of the waitresses have to accept employment at a wage of 2s. 6d. a week?
Viscountess ASTORIs the hon. Member aware that there has been pressure from this side of the House for establishment of a Trade Board for the catering trade. [HON. MEMBERS: "From this side first!"] No, we started it.
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe question was put in almost identical words to my right hon. Friend the other day, and the answer that he gave was that, as a result of very close inquiry into that trade, he saw no reason to set up a Trade Board.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs it not the object of a Trade Board to provide for minimum wages where the workers are not properly organised, and seeing that in the catering trade less than 1 per cent. are members of a trade union, does not that justify the establishment of a Trade Board?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. Member must judge for himself the objects of the Act under which Trade Boards are set up.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that the best employers, like Lyons, want a Trade Board, and that they think it would help the trade generally?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI cannot say. The Noble Lady had better ask Lyons.