§ 11. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Labour whether the assessors have access to communications passing between the Catering Wages Commission and his Ministry relating to matters in respect of which they have been appointed.
§ Mr. BevinAssessors are appointed under the Catering Wages Act, 1943, to be available to the Catering Wages Commission in connection with any investigation or inquiry that the Commission may undertake. I understand that it is the Commission's practice to consult with assessors when their advice is required on specific matters, and it is, of course, for the Commission itself to determine to what extent assessors need to have access to documents for the purpose of discharging their duties.
§ Sir J. MellorMay I assume that my right hon. Friend will have no objection, so far as his Department is concerned, to the assessors having access to such communications?
§ Mr. BevinI am not going to be led up that garden. I do not interfere at all with the Commission. If I said that I had no objection that would be an influence one way, and next week, because I had said that, the hon. Member would suggest that I was interfering with the Commission.