§ 7. Mr. MORLEYasked the Minister of Labour what steps she proposes to take in the near future to reduce the hours of labour of domestic servants and give them a statutory right to reasonable periods of leisure?
§ Miss BONDFIELDLegislation on this subject is not at present in contemplation.
§ Mr. MORLEYIs the right hon. Lady aware that there has been a great increase in the numbers in domestic service in recent years, and that many of these girls work from 7 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock at night with only one afternoon off each week. Cannot she extend the same protection with regard to hours as is extended to those who work in shops?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI can only repeat what I have said.
Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that there is a tremendous number of vacancies for domestic servants, and does not the right hon. Lady think that she should go into the matter more carefully with a view of seeing whether it is possible to reduce the dole, and put these people on a basis—
§ Mr. McSHANEIn view of the fact that the conditions in some of these situations are really abominable, and in view of the fact that courts of referees now regard domestic service as suitable for claims for benefit, should it not be the first object of the Minister to make certain that the industry to which they are sent is a protected industry, so that the interests of those concerned are protected?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI can only add that domestic service is a notoriously unregulated industry, but, owing to the pressure of public business, I cannot undertake to introduce legislation.