HC Deb 19 May 1953 vol 515 cc1875-6
52. Miss Herbison

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he intends to take to find employment for the women kitchen assistants and dining room attendants who are, or will be, redundant as a result of the decrease in the number of children taking school meals.

Sir W. Monckton

Any worker who registers at the nearest employment exchange will be given every assistance to find suitable employment.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that I first put this Question down to the Secretary of State for Scotland, asking whether, in some of these areas where people have been made redundant, there is any chance at all of getting work for them? Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and perhaps make joint representations with him to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to withdraw this increase in cost so that the numbers will not go down, but that the children will be fed and these women kept in work?

Sir W. Monckton

I assure the hon. Lady that I did appreciate that she did not impute all this to my Department, and I will, of course, consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who will be answering Questions on a similar matter later.

Mr. Hamilton

Could the Minister give specific details about this problem if a Question is put down to him?

Sir W. Monckton

I do not think it ought to be put down to me; that is the point.