§ 87. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give any information to the House relative to the 45 women ranging in age from 49 years to 5 years who were sent from the Cardiff Employment Exchange on Monday afternoon to go fruit picking, near Hereford; the rates of wages to be paid; whether the work was day work or at piece rates; the hours to be worked; what sleeping and sanitary accommodation was provided; and whether he has received a report from the manager of the Employment Exchange at Hereford in connection with the matter?
Mr. HUDSONA report has now been received, and I am writing fully to the hon. Member. The work was at piece rates, of which the women were informed before they left Cardiff. There were no fixed hours. Sleeping accommodation was in bell tents with wooden floors and there were several sets of earth closets. The report does not substantiate the complaints which the women gave as to their reasons for leaving the work, but I should prefer to express no definite opinion on this point, as it may be the subject of decision by a court of referees.