§ 16. Mr. Ivor Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Bourne & Hollingsworth, of Oxford Street, have refused to allow their female staff to come to business without stockings; and as this is inconsistent with the need for encouraging clothes economy wherever possible, what steps does he propose to take in this matter?
§ Mr. DaltonI have seen references in the Press to instructions about the wearing of stockings issued by Messrs. Bourne and Hollingsworth to their staff; and one of the governing directors of this firm has sent me a copy of a notice to his employees, containing the following sentence:
If Government authorities hold that an employer has no right to insist on proper dress on the part of employees, it is for them to issue an order accordingly.I have no intention to make such an Order, but I have frequently drawn attention to the urgent need for the utmost economy in clothing by all sections of the community. It is now nearly two years ago that the Treasury issued a circular suggesting that Government Departments should set an example to other employers by instructing their women staff that stockings need not be worn. Since that time the stringency in clothing supplies has, of course, greatly increased.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWhy is this distinction drawn between women and men? Cannot men be asked to go without socks?
§ Mr. DaltonI hope that, weather permitting, my hon. Friend will come down to the House without socks.