§ 4. Mrs. Cazalet Keirasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the setting-up of a committee to investigate the best way of organising the service of domestic workers?
§ Mr. BevinI am still investigating this matter. My immediate concern is with the problems arising out of the shortage of domestic workers in hospitals and public institutions, in hostels and canteens, and also in private households when there is special need for such help owing to such circumstances as confinement or sickness. I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this phase of the problem at a fairly early date.
§ Mrs. KeirIf I put a Question down again in a fortnight, would my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a more complete statement then?
Miss RathboneWould the Minister also consider the possibility of drawing off some of the superfluous domestic workers from households which are employing too many, by means of the raising and lowering of the registration age and making those workers available for householders who need them more and who are having to do without domestic help altogether?
| England and Wales. | ||
| — | 31st March, 1938 (last complete figures available). | |
| Number of public elementary schools maintained by local education authorities. | Number of pupils on registers. | |
| Council schools | 10,363 | 3,513,032 |
| Voluntary schools | 10,553 | 1,522,244 |
| 20,916 | 5,035,276 | |
| On 31st March, 1943, there were 203 council schools and 495 voluntary schools on the black list. The number of pupils in these schools is not available. |