HC Deb 10 June 1937 vol 324 cc1925-7
1. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray

Sueter asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of waiters and skilled workers in the catering trades, he will confer with the President of the Board of Education with a view to supplementing the Park Royal facilities by training for these occupations, in the elementary schools, young persons of both sexes who are physically unfitted for adult employment in heavier work, and so obviate the necessity for admitting foreign labour?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)

To meet the demand for certain classes of workers in the catering trades, training facilities for young men and women are provided at a number of centres in addition to Park Royal and, if a larger number of suitable applicants could be obtained from areas of heavy unemployment, additional facilities would be provided. I understand that it is not possible to provide vocational courses at elementary schools, but I will consult my Noble Friend about the possibility and desirability of providing additional facilities for vocational training under the regulations for further education.

Mr. Leslie

Is it not the case that the low wages and long hours in the catering trade account for the present shortage?

Mr. Butler

I am not aware that that is the sole reason. I have said that if there was a further demand, further facilities would be provided for this training.

Mr. T. Williams

Is there a trade board for the catering trade, and, if not, will the hon. Gentleman not look into the possibility of remedying the present shortage by making that provision?

Mr. Butler

I understand that there is no board for the catering trade. I will certainly take into consideration the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

Mr. Davidson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the catering industry, particularly in this city, in the big shops, there is a continual flow of girls because they will not stand the terms of employment for more than a few weeks?

8. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour whether the conferences now being held at his request between the employers and trade unions with reference to labour conditions in the distributive trades will include the examination of the sweated conditions in the catering trade; and, if not, will he take steps to have the catering trades dealt with on the same lines?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. I do not think it would be advisable to enlarge the very wide field already covered by the discussions to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Davidson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the last Labour Government they decided on this question that a High Court decision was given in favour of a trade board for the catering industry, and will he, therefore, not ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider the whole position in view of the sweating conditions in this industry?

Mr. Butler

That raises a broader question, and, as I said in my reply, it is not considered advisable to enlarge the very wide field already covered by the discussion.

Mr. Davidson

Have we to take it that the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour is going to act with the catering industry as he is at present acting with the 40-hour week?

18. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is thinking out a policy by which to reduce the number of juvenile entrants into blind-alley employment in Lancashire and West Yorkshire by diverting into training schools suitable youths to become skilled workers in the catering trades in the South of England to meet the unfilled demand by those trades offering permanent employment to skilled labour and to replace foreign labour?

Mr. Butler

The Government's policy already includes provision for the training of juveniles and youths in the catering trades. Under the Juvenile Transference Scheme attention is called to these opportunities for training, which of course are entirely voluntary, and the provision made is regulated by the supply of candidates.

Mr. Liddall

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, notwithstanding the suggestion put forward this afternoon, there are many lucrative posts to be had in the catering trade; and what useful purpose does he think the Opposition serves by constantly suggesting that things are not right whenever a suggestion or proposal is made—

Hon. Members

Speech!

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there was an attempt made to get a trade board for the catering trade because the conditions were so bad, and that the catering trade opposed the matter and went to the High Court; and why should the Ministry train people for an industry that cannot take proper care of its employés?

Mr. Butler

The Ministry of Labour is always keen to offer employment where good employment is to be found.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the catering trade will never get satisfactory employés unless it gives satisfactory conditions?