§ 2. Mr. Fosterasked the Minister of Labour if he will give consideration to the appointment of a Miners' Welfare Corn-mission representative on the Wages Board to be set up for workers in industrial canteens who has had experience in the organisation of canteens in the mining industry.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)The members of the Wages Board, apart from the independent appointed members, have to be persons who represent the employers and workers concerned. I regret, therefore, that it is not open to me to appoint a representative of the Miners Welfare Commission in this capacity. I am considering the desirability of appointing to the Board persons who may be regarded as representing employers and workers in relation to canteens in the mining industry.
§ Mr. FosterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a large number of canteens at collieries now and that the organiser in the district for the Miners' Welfare Committee is responsible for organising the staff of the canteens? Could he give any indication how the welfare committee could be represented on the Board?
§ Mr. BevinI have said in my answer that I am considering the desirability of appointing to the Board persons who may be regarded as representing employers and workers in relation to the canteen business, and I am willing to place at the disposal of the Miners' Welfare Commission all the experience we have gained in running canteens for munitions workers.
§ Mr. FosterWould it be possible for, say, a joint body representing employers and workers to suggest or appoint repre-sentatives on the Board?
§ Mr. BevinI would like to have notice of that question. I cannot carry the constitution of the Board in my head.