§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour approximately how many girls and women of foreign nationality are now employed in domestic service in this country; the average annual number of changes of employer; and to what extent over-long hours of work and underpayment exists among this class of employee.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI regret that the information asked for is not available.
§ Mr. SorensenBut the Minister will agree that this information is necessary? Could not something be done to acquire it for the benefit of social workers and others interested, in view of the fact that one knows that some girls are working very long hours?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am afraid that it is quite impossible to get accurate information of this kind, because it covers all types of domestic servants, including those employed in hospitals and other institutions.
§ Mr. RobensWould it not be appropriate if these girls joined their respective trade unions and allowed the unions to deal with the question of working hours?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI should think that that would be a very satisfactory solution.
§ Mr. H. NichollsDoes my hon. Friend find that the girls coming into this country for domestic service are keeping 2571 to the conditions on which they are allowed entry permits?
§ Mr. WatkinsonOn the whole; but in the case of a girl who does not keep to the conditions of entry, consideration is immediately given to withdrawing the permit.
§ Mr. SorensenIs an invitation extended to these girls to join a trade union, and is information given with respect to the trade union which they should join?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat is not a matter for the Ministry of Labour.