HC Deb 28 March 1946 vol 421 cc571-2
66. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Labour the trades unions responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment, etc., within the catering industry so far as the various wages boards are concerned under the Catering Wages Acts.

Mr. Isaacs

The members appointed to the workers' sides of the various Catering Wages Boards so far constituted were nominated by the National Joint Trades Union Committee for the catering industry, except in one instance, where the nomination was made by the National Union of Club Stewards. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the trade unions which are members of the Joint Committee.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that among most catering employers there is an anti-trade union bias, and will he assure the House that it is the view of himself and of the Government that these workers should be allowed freedom to join their appropriate unions?

Mr. Isaacs

That is rather a difficult point to answer. As I have asked the Catering Wages Boards to investigate complaints which have reached us relating to these questions in the industry, I hope I shall not be pressed to say more about this matter at the moment.

Following is the list:

Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers.

The Clerical and Administrative Workers' Union.

National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks.

National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employees.

National Union of General' and Municipal Workers.

National Union of Distributive and Allied Workers.

National Union of Railwaymen.

Railway Clerks' Association.

Scottish Union of Bakers, Confectioners and Bakery Workers.

Tobacco Workers' Union.

Transport and General Workers' Union.