§ 6. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Labour why the application of the Essential Work Order has been delayed in the case of the industrial catering trade, which is covered by a National Joint Industrial Council?
§ Mr. BevinDiscussions on this question are proceeding. At present I have nothing to add to my reply of 21st January to the hon. and gallant Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).
§ Mr. BurkeIs my right hon. Friend aware that discussions have been going on since August last, and that there is a great desire among canteen managers to have this matter settled so that they can keep their staffs?
§ Mr. BevinI know there is a desire by the canteen contractors to have it settled, but I am supplying labour to run the canteens, though I have not applied the Essential Work Order to industrial canteens. I do not think there is any real shortage.
§ Mr. BevinThe proposal put to me conflicts with the Canteens Order which makes an employer responsible for the canteen equally with the rest of his factory, and it is a matter of very great difficulty for me to apply the Essential Work Order to a canteen, which really makes it a shop within a factory.