§ 11. Major W. J. Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to consider the establishment of a separate wages board for the Scottish hotel industry in view of the recommendations of the Tourist Board.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI cannot vary the wages board machinery except upon a 6 recommendation under the Act by the Catering Wages Commission. The Commission have been considering the question of a separate board for Scotland, but it has now emerged that legally the Commission are unable to recommend the establishment of a new wages board if the workers concerned are already included in the scope of existing boards. I am considering the situation thus disclosed.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayMay we take it from that reply that my right hon. and learned Friend does not definitely close the door to some progress in this direction?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI do not intend to close any doors in connection with this matter. I have been in close touch with both sides of this industry, and I am encouraged to hope that we shall be able to produce something constructive. I do not want to say more about it.
§ Mr. A. WoodburnIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman keeping in mind that the problem is not so much one between Scotland and England as one between isolated hotels and city hotels?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have what the right hon. Gentleman mentions very much in my mind.