§ 12. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Labour the number of cases he has had reported to him of catering employers paying their staffs wages out of the tronc; and in how many instances he has introduced legal proceedings against these employers for evasion of payment of wages under the Catering Wages Act.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI cannot say in how many cases complaints alleging this have been made to and dealt with by my Inspectors. As to proceedings, in two cases criminal proceedings and in one case civil proceedings were taken successfully.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware of the fact that 90 per cent. of the larger catering employers pay the staff wages out of the tronc and hardly any of them pay the wages out of their profits? Is it not about time that these catering employers paid a decent wage out of their profits rather than using the tronc?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI am afraid that I am not aware of the figure which the hon. Gentleman has given me, but I will certainly look into any material which he can put before me.
§ Mr. LewisWill the Minister consult with those trade unions in the catering industry who are on the Trade Union Joint Advisory Council? They will give him all the information which he requires.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am in close touch with them.