HC Deb 03 June 1937 vol 324 cc1175-7
9. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any machinery whereby regulations can be issued and enforced affecting the hours and con- ditions of employès in the catering industry?

Mr. E. Brown

No, Sir. After a full investigation of wages and conditions my predecessor decided in 1932 that there was no sufficient case for applying the Trade Board Acts to this industry.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even in this city, the capital of this country, there are girls and men working 12 hours a day in the catering industry and receiving 12s. 6d. per week? Is he further aware that in Messrs. Lyons establishments girls are forced to pay 27s. for a uniform which they cannot take away with them when they leave; and will he introduce some kind of legislation in the near future to deal with the problem of the catering industry?

Mr. Brown

There has been a long inquiry and investigation about this, covering several years, and if the hon. Member has any evidence of the statements he makes, I shall be glad if he will send it to me.

Viscountess Astor

If we can prove that some of these girls are working as much as from 60 to 70 hours a week, in both licensed and unlicensed hotels, will the right hon. Gentleman do something about it?

Mr. Brown

I shall be glad to look into any cases which are sent to me, if they are verified.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Do I understand that the very difficult conditions for labour in this trade are not to be included in the inquiry with regard to the distributive trades in general?

Mr. Brown

I understand that the discussion includes practically all the trades concerned.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason why the Ministry of Labour wanted to make a trade board in this industry, was because they had in their possession definite evidence that scandalous conditions prevailed?

Mr. Brown

But after full consideration, it was decided not to do so.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that Miss Bondfield when she was Minister of Labour found that this problem was too difficult to tackle, and is not that all the more reason why a National Government should tackle it?