HC Deb 05 March 1946 vol 420 c164
40. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for the admission of women from the Continent as domestic servants, in vacancies which cannot otherwise be filled, so that British men and women who have heavy full-time responsibilities may receive domestic help.

Mr. Isaacs

I am considering, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, the possibility of arranging, subject to necessary safeguards, for women from certain foreign countries to be admitted to this country for domestic employment

Mr. Keeling

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he is sympathetic with the scholar in the scullery and the councillor in the kitchen?

Mr. Isaacs

As I have indicated previously, we have every sympathy with this problem and are examining it from a sympathetic point of view.

Captain Marsden

Before making regulations, will the Minister consult with those who have had experience of domestic servants from the Continent before the war, because there are a great many snags in this, and it has to be considered carefully?

Mr. Isaacs

I would not like to tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman exactly with whom we will have consultations, but I most cordially agree with him that there are many snags in it.