National Institute of Houseworkers

HC Deb 01 December 1949 vol 470 cc1296-7

8. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Labour what, to date, is the amount of Government loans outstanding to the National Institute of House-workers, Limited.

Mr. Isaacs

The loans to the National Institute of Houseworkers, Limited, at 31st March, 1949, amounted to about £77,000.

Sir W. Smithers

What useful purpose is served by pledging the taxpayers' money to this amount, and under what authority of this House are these loans made?

Mr. Isaacs

I think they are made under the authority conferred upon us—

Sir W. Smithers

The right hon. Gentleman "thinks" but does not know.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. The difference between myself and the hon. Member is that I am careful to be accurate in my replies, whereas he is not careful to be accurate in his questions. If he puts that question down, I will endeavour to give a reply.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Is it not a fact that when this place was set up there was a great demand for trained domestic workers, mostly from Members opposite?