HC Deb 02 March 1939 vol 344 c1433
44. Mr. Batey

asked the Minister of Labour how many waiters and chefs travelled from London to be employed at the lunch on the Team Valley Trading Estate on Wednesday, 22nd February, 1939; how much did they cost; and why were not persons employed who reside in the North of England?

Mr. E. Brown

I am informed by North-Eastern Trading Estates, Limited, that 45 waiters and chefs travelled from London to be employed at the luncheon in question, and that the cost of third-class return fares from London was £107 8s. 9d. I understand also that the estates' catering manager made unsuccessful efforts to obtain suitable men locally, and had travelled as far south as Liverpool for the purpose.

Mr. Batey

What need was there to take 45 waiters and chefs all this way? Could they not be obtained from the North of England?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member knows that there has been in the north in the past a good deal of prejudice against this kind of occupation.

Mr. Batey

Was any effort made to get them in the North of England?

Mr. Brown

I said the catering manager "had travelled as far south as Liverpool" to get them.

Mr. Batey

Liverpool is a long way from Gateshead.