§ 19. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the scarcity of domestic employés, especially in seaside resorts; and whether, as the result of his recent inquiries into this problem, he has any proposals to make for improving the present position?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have not yet completed my consideration of the results of the inquiries to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesDoes my right hon. Friend anticipate being able to help in this problem in time for this season?
§ Mr. BrownI am not sure about that. As I have informed the House more than once, I am intending to have discussions with the representatives of a series of organisations on this matter.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate the difficulties of seaside resorts in this matter, and does he know that in one of the most attractive of them, Colwyn Bay, waiters, waitresses, and maids, have to be imported, in spite of considerable unemployment among the insured population?
Mr. JenkinsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage of domestic labour is very largely due to the low wages paid and to the bad conditions under which they are employed; is he not aware that the Trades Union Congress is now setting up a union for these workers, and will he do whatever he can to help?
§ Mr. BrownAs far as my answers went, they showed that wages were not the principal issue, but if the hon. Member tells me that conditions of employment are bad, I will say that I have had a good many representations made to me on the subject. As regards the other point, as the hon. Member knows, the Trades Union Congress is taking action in the matter, and it is not my duty to do its task for it.