HC Deb 06 June 1972 vol 838 cc213-4
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that vacancies in the hotel and catering industry are filled; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Following consultations with the British Hotels and Restaurants Association improvements are being made in the arrangements for bringing vacancies to the notice of those who are unemployed and suitable for such work. When these improvements are completed, over 20 employment offices will have specialist sections dealing with skilled hotel and catering occupations.

Mr. Adley

I thank my hon. Friend warmly for that most encouraging answer. Nevertheless, is he aware that on 9th May his Department told me in a Written Answer that there were over 16,000 job vacancies in the industry, while at about the same time the British Hotel and Restaurants Association stated that there were over 98,000 vacancies? Does this not show the great need in this industry for recruitment to overcome the job snob attitudes of people towards work in it? Will he continue as he has started today by doing all he can to stress that the industry can offer secure employment to a very large number of people?

Mr. Smith

I am sure my hon. Friend is right. We are doing all we can to encourage both the trade and others to view this in a rather different light and to get more people to enter the industry. But we must be honest and admit that many people do not find this work particularly attractive. A leading hotelier told me so last week. On the other hand, as my hon. Friend says, there are great opportunities and there is very good security of employment in the industry.

Mr. Dalyell

When they go around, could these same officers of the Department ask about the implementation of the fire regulations? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the South of Scotland fire services are acutely worried about the number of hotels which have failed to register? This is a problem.

Mr. Smith

That is rather wide of the original Question and is not my responsibility. But I share the concern of the hon. Gentleman and I will draw what he said to the attention of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department.