§ 52. Sir W. Davisonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, with a view to dignifying domestic service, the Government will take into consideration the desirability of a separate insurance scheme for domestic workers, whereby they should receive a pension at 55 instead of 65 years of age, with the alternative of a dowry on marriage?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI am afraid that there are serious practical difficulties which make it impossible for the Government to adopt a special scheme of this kind for a selected class of insured persons.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the great shortage of domestic servants and of the large number of foreigners who are sent here to take this work, and would it not greatly popularise this employment if some such scheme as that suggested could be put into operation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleIt would mean instituting a special scheme for one class of workers only.
§ Mr. MontagueDoes the Minister agree that where there is no shortage there is no dignity?
§ Mr. Garro JonesCould the Financial Secretary ascertain from his hon. Friend whether this question was put down in the interest of the domestic servants or in the interests of the ladies of Kensington?