HC Deb 27 April 1939 vol 346 cc1292-3
22. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement on his consultations with the employers' organisations in the licensed victualling trade and with the Transport and General Workers' Union regarding the unsatisfactory conditions of employment in the trade?

Mr. E. Brown

I have been informed by the National Trade Defence Association that inquiries which they have made show that, apart from isolated cases, the conditions in the trade are not as represented, and that until they can discover whether the alleged bad conditions exist they consider that it would be premature to meet officials of the trade unions concerned. The Association have further stated that it would greatly facilitate their task if I would furnish them with actual cases of the bad conditions which are stated to exist in the trade. I have accordingly obtained from the workers' representatives further information bearing on these matters, which I propose to discuss with the National Trade Defence Association at an early date.

Mr. Parker

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get both sides to discuss this matter fully and properly?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to conduct these discussions first.