§ 12. Mr. Robensasked the Minister of Labour to make a statement on his policy regarding the inspectorate appointed to supervise Orders made under the Wages Council Acts and the Catering Wages Act.
§ Sir W. MoncktonMy policy is to ensure that there are sufficient wages inspectors to investigate all complaints of non-compliance and to maintain a reasonable level of routine inspection of establishments within the scope of Orders made under the Wages Councils Acts and the Catering Wages Act. I have felt bound to accept as a measure of economy some reduction in the staff of the wages inspectorate. This will involve a reduction in the frequency of routine wages inspection visits from 7½ per cent. to 5 per cent. per annum of the establishments concerned, but the investigation of all complaints of non-compliance, which represents a substantial and effective part of the work, is to be continued as at present.
§ Mr. RobensIs not a reduction in the number of inspectors, whose task is to ensure that legislation in this matter is carried out, an extremely dangerous thing for the workers concerned? While complaints are received and investigated, is it not a fact that many complaints would never anise if there were adequate inspection? When Parliament has produced legislation of this type to protect workers, is it not wrong that the Minister should reduce the number of people in the inspectorate?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe essential thing to remember is that I must ensure that the inspection is adequate. At the same time, I must do it with such economy as I can. Last year complaints were made in 10,000 cases, and they were all investigated. If I find that the routine inspections are insufficient, I shall have to ask for a greater number of inspectors.
§ Mr. RobensIs it not fair to say that if 10,000 complaints were received there must have been three or four times that number which never saw the light of day? Is it not the function of inspectors to examine wages books, etc., to make sure that complaints do not arise, instead of waiting for the complaints to arise?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI agree. We want a reasonable amount of inspection to take place, and I believe that it can be obtained with the reduced number. If not, I shall have to ask for more.
§ Mr. PopplewellHas there been an increase in complaints consequent upon the Order which made it permissive for employers to class as wages £1 per week from tips?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThat is another matter, and I should not like to answer the Question without notice.