§ 27. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now introduce legislation to regulate the conditions of employment for au pair girls.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganThe welfare of au pair girls is the subject of the Council of Europe's Agreement on Au Pair Placement and I cannot at present add to my hon. Friend's reply on 16th April to a Question by my hon. Friend, the Member for Heywood and Royton (Mr. Barnett).—[Vol. 799, c. 271.]
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonIs it not high time that the Home Office recognised au pair work as legitimate employment, and that agencies providing au pairs, which at the moment escape regulation, deserve to come under regulation, just as the au pair and her employer also deserve a legally binding contract?
§ Mr. MorganIt is not the same question as employment. If it were, it would be a matter for the Department of Employment and Productivity. The European agreement specifies the conditions which apply to an au pair arrangement as regards board and lodging, time for cultural improvement, days off and pocket money, and the services that the person placed au pair shall render in return. Whether or not the United Kingdom becomes a signatory to the European Agreement on Au Pair Placement, it is intended to introduce in this country a standard form of agreement between the au pair girl and the family which receives her.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhy do not the Government confirm this agreement? Cannot we go ahead in this important project?
§ Mr. MorganThe question of confirmation is now under study. I am sure that my hon. Friend will be prepared to await the result of that study.