HC Deb 06 November 1930 vol 244 cc1019-20
4. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour whether it, is proposed to include within the trade board for the catering trade waitresses in railway restaurants?

Miss BONDFIELD

Work in catering establishments carried on by railway companies is within the scope of the Draft Special Order which I have published. Objections have been lodged in relation to this and other points and, in accordance with the provisions of the Acts, I am about to appoint a commissioner to hold an inquiry into the whole matter.

28. Mr. McSHANE

asked the Minister of Labour the present position with regard to the proposed establishment of a trade board for the catering trade?

Miss BONDFIELD

Objections have been lodged to the draft Special Order applying the Trade Boards Acts to the catering trade, and the Acts require that in these circumstances a public inquiry should be held. I have appointed Sir Arthur Colefax to hold such an inquiry.

Mr. McSHANE

In the collection of evidence for the establishment of this board, has the right hon. Lady adequately consulted the workers in the trade?

Miss BONDFIELD

Certainly, we consulted the trade union leaders.

Mr. McSHANE

Were the actual workers in the trade, as distinct from the trade union leaders, adequately consulted?

Miss BONDFIELD

I am not quite sure that I understand what the hon. Gentleman means. If he means, whether the particular workers who are actually working have been consulted, the answer is yes, but they have been consulted through their trade union organisations.