HC Deb 03 March 1938 vol 332 cc1260-1
11. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the low wages and long hours of labour prevalent in the catering trade, the Minister will consider the advisability of setting up a trade board to regulate the conditions of employment in that trade?

Mr. E. Brown

I have no recent information concerning conditions in this trade. If the hon. Member will furnish me with any information in his possession I shall be glad to give it consideration.

Mr. Leslie

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the report of the special committee which was set up to consider the case and the recommendation which was made then for the establishment of a trade board?

Mr. Brown

That was in 1913, and I have not any recent information.

Mr. Rhys Davies

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman is now dealing with conditions of employment in the retail distributive trades, and also that he has been good enough to promise an inquiry into the conditions of employment in the licensed trade, will he not consider making some inquiry into the catering trade at the same time?

Mr. Brown

These things keep me fairly busy, and the hon. Member must not seek to place too many burdens on my shoulders.