HC Deb 21 July 1942 vol 381 cc1402-3
41. Colonel Gretton

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is still the principle of the Ministry that women in domestic service essential to a household are not to be moved unless they can be replaced?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

Yes, Sir; the practice remains as stated in the reply of 27th January to the hon. Member for Denbigh (Sir H. Morris-Jones), of which I am sending my right hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Colonel Gretton

Will the hon. Gentleman call the attention of Employment Exchanges to the fact that the intentions of the Government are not, in all cases, being observed?

Mr. Tomlinson

I should not be prepared to accept that without details.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that young girls who are the only help which their widowed mothers have are being removed without any question of replacement?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, but that is not a question of domestic help as intimated in this Question.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Secretary of State's own constituency there is a case where five sons have been taken away arid now the only lassie left is being taken away?

Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that "essential domestic service" varies a great deal in town and country, and will he give his committees instructions to take into account country needs where a householder provides his own light, water, etc., and goods are bought in town six miles or more away?

Mr. McEntee

Is my hon. Friend not aware that under the administration of this Order only daughters are taken away, and that the general administration of this part of the Order is very harsh indeed?

Mr. Tomlinson

These are general questions relating to the calling-up of young people, and are not specifically in relation to this question of domestic service.

Colonel Gretton

Will the attention of managers of Employment Exchanges he called to this question?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, willingly.

Mr. Pritt

Would the hon. Gentleman arrange that an only daughter left in a house shall be counted as the domestic servant of her mother?