§ 11. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Labour what was the number of seasonal workers unemployed on the latest convenient date in the hotel and boarding house industry; and what the figure was in Morecambe and Heysham.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number of seasonal workers in the catering industry who are unemployed is not known, but the total number unemployed in that industry in Great Britain at 10th October was 28,255. The total figure for November is not yet available, but at the Morecambe Employment Exchange (which includes Heysham) the number registered as unemployed at 14th November was 110.
§ Sir I. FraserWhat percentage is the 28,000 of the total employed?
§ Mr. IsaacsI really could not say without notice.
§ 15. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about the operation of the Catering Wages Act in view of the number of hotels which are to close this Christmas, and in view of uncertainty in the industry about next year's holiday season.
§ Mr. IsaacsI hope to be in a position to give a full reply to a similar Question for answer on Thursday next.
§ Sir I. FraserIs the inquiry which is likely to be announced one which the Minister is satisfied will really give both sides in this industry an opportunity to improve its prospects?
§ Mr. IsaacsI should not agree to an inquiry if I was not satisfied that it was going to cover the whole ground.