HC Deb 15 April 1937 vol 322 cc1157-8
28 and 29. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that young girls who have been sent to work at textile mills in Sowerby Bridge have been sent to lodge at homes which were wholly unsuitable, where the food was coarse and inadequate; and will he insist that supervisers exercise greater care when selecting accommodation for young women;

(2) how many girls have been recruited through Employment Exchanges to work at Lees Mill, Sowerby Bridge, during this year; whether he is aware that this is a non-union mill; and, if so, does he approve of his officials acting as recruiting agents for non-trade union employers who pay less than the recognised rates of wages?

Mr. E. Brown

I am obliged to the hon. Member for a communication which I have just received. I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Williams

While the right hon. Gentleman is making inquiries, will he insist that the supervisors exercise infinitely more care than they appear to have done in the case referred to?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member cannot expect me to accept such a generalisation. The work is very difficult and, on the whole, amazingly well done.