HC Deb 03 April 1930 vol 237 cc1433-4
13. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to carry out the report of the Committee on Domestic Service of 1923, in respect of setting up special sub-committees by local employment committees attached to Employment Exchanges to consider the problems connected with domestic work and to endeavour to form local associations of employers and employés to agree upon conditions in their area?

Miss BONDFIELD

This recommendation was carefully considered at the time. It appeared to involve the assumption by the Department of authority to regulate the wages and conditions in this employment and it was decided that in the absence of statutory authority for departmental action, the matter was one that should be dealt with unofficially. I may mention that subject to this restriction it is within the scope of women's subcommittees of local employment committees to consider questions affecting domestic service.

Mr. MANDER

Have any of the local employment committees actually carried out work on these lines?

Miss BONDFIELD

Quite a number of the committees I have mentioned are dealing with these questions.