HC Deb 26 July 1956 vol 557 cc612-5
13. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Labour how many members of the Canteen Advisory Service he proposes to retain.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Robert Carr)

One only as a canteen adviser, but my right hon. Friend is considering whether any of the other advisers can be employed in another capacity.

Mr. Lee

Is it not a fact that, on the day on which the Parliamentary Secretary informed us that he was not aware of the numbers who would be left, in fact advice was sent out to the unions concerned that only one would be retained? Does he agree that, at the 39th Session of the International Labour Office at Geneva, this country undertook certain responsibilities in these terms: The competent authority or some other appropriate body should make suitable arrangements to give information, advice and guidance to individual undertakings with respect to technical questions involved in the setting up and operation of canteens. How does the hon. Gentleman propose to carry out that recommendation if he has no people to do it?

Mr. Carr

It is not correct to say that we have no people to do it. We have this one adviser, and we believe that in modern conditions that is all that is necessary. With regard to the first point in the hon. Gentleman's Question, I said in reply to the question which was raised by the hon. Gentleman that it would be one, two, or three, and perhaps only one, but that I could not say definitely. That was my personal position at the time.

20. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour to how many officers of the Canteen Advisory Service he has issued notices of dismissal; and on what date these notices were issued.

Mr. Carr

None has yet had final notice. On 16th July, when the announcement about the future of the service was made in the House, an explanatory letter was sent to every member of the service concerned. On 24th July, preliminary warning was given to the four temporary advisers that in a month's time they must expect to receive formal notice that their appointments will end on 30th September.

Mr. Swingler

In that case, will not the Parliamentary Secretary and his right hon. Friend reconsider this position? Is it not a fact that many industrial firms as well as overseas Governments have been using the services of these advisers and have found their work both necessary and desirable? As only a small number is involved, is it worth while dispensing with them in view of the essential kind of work which they are doing?

Mr. Carr

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to reconsider this matter. In these things we must get our priorities right. We are not saying that this service has not done good work, but we are saying that in modern conditions it cannot be regarded as essential in relation to the other calls of more essential things which we have to do.

21. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent factory inspectors are trained in the provision and maintenance of catering facilities.

Mr. Carr

There are three industries in which there is a statutory obligation to maintain a canteen, and factory inspectors are fully competent to see that the requirements are being observed. The Canteen Advisory Service is being discontinued because it is no longer considered necessary to give detailed advice to managements on the running of canteens.

Mr. Swingler

Is it not a fact that the Factory Inspectorate is already overstrained and that winding up the Canteen Advisory Service means the imposition of additional duties on factory inspectors with the inspection of canteens and advice on the provision of canteens? How is the already overstrained Factory Inspectorate to cope with these duties? Is it not a fact that it will not be able to cope and that these duties will be neglected?

Mr. Carr

Perhaps the hon. Member is not aware that we are expanding the Inspectorate.

Mr. Lee

Is it not a fact that in 1955 more than 2,000 applications were made for technical advice on the opening and running of canteens? In those conditions, how can it be said that there is no real need for the services of the Canteen Advisory Service?

Mr. Carr

In our opinion, such advice is readily available and can be provided without public expense.

22. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour what regulations are now in force regarding the provision of canteen facilities for industrial workers; and which industries are affected.

Mr. Carr

Regulations requiring the provision of canteen facilities are contained in Codes of Regulations relating to three industries—building, jute and clay works.

Mr. Swingler

Statutory duties about canteen facilities are imposed in three industries at any rate. Does not that make it clear that additional duties are now being imposed on a not yet expanded Factory Inspectorate because of the liquidation of the Canteen Advisory Service? Would it not be better at any rate to wait until the Factory Inspectorate has been expanded before dispensing with the services of the Canteen Advisory Service?

Mr. Carr

The service is, of course, an advisory service, and it is my impression that the statutory regulations must be and are studied by factory inspectors.