§ 1. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Minister of Labour what grant is made by his Department to the King's Roll Clerks' Association; and whether he is satisfied with the conditions of employment observed by the Association.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)For the last financial year, ending April, 1949, a grant of £2,460 was paid towards the trading deficiency. This Association is an undertaking not operating for profit. I know that since the Association moved to better premises the conditions have greatly improved.
§ Mr. FletcherDoes the Ministry, therefore, recognise the obligation it has to concern itself with the conditions of employment in this organisation, of which there have been considerable complaints?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir, I have no power to give directions of any sort to this concern. We give them grants in aid of their trading deficiency. So far as conditions are concerned, we were aware of dissatisfaction with conditions in the old premises, but we understand that that is all right now.
§ Mr. FletcherIs it not possible to attach to those grants the provision that reasonable conditions of employment will be observed?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf my hon. Friend will put down a Question on that point, I will look into it.