HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 c1257
3. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Minister of Labour if he is proposing at an early date to bring the persons employed in the catering trades within the scope of the Trade Boards Act?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 11th February last of which I am sending him a copy.

Viscountess ASTOR

As children between 14 and 18 are working for 54 hours a week in the catering trade, and as the Government have refused to bring them under the Children and Young Persons Bill, would it not be wise for the catering trade to have a trade board?

Mr. LAWSON

Has the right lion. Gentleman any information showing the wages paid in this industry, which are not always by any means satisfactory?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I can only refer both hon. Members to the answer I gave on 11th February, in which I said: I have reached the conclusion that in. all the circumstances the conditions of this trade do not justify the application of the Acts to this trade at the present time."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 11th February, 1932; col. 1005, Vol. 261.]

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Prime Minister and the Lord President of the Council have pledged themselves to protect children in unregulated trades, and is it not time something was done?