§ 3.3 p.m.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Minister of Labour and National Service has yet heard further from the Catering Wages Commission on certain questions arising out of their Report on the operation of the Catering Wages Act, 1943, in the hotel industry, as mentioned in an answer to a Question on November 28, 1951.]
103§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, has heard from the Catering Wages Commission in connection with some of these matters. Certain legal difficulties, however, have emerged, and the Minister is considering the situation disclosed. At the same time he is in discussion with both sides of the hotel industry and is hopeful that some constructive proposals may result.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend the Leader of the House for his satisfactory reply, may I remind Her Majesty's Government that the matter is even more urgent than it was last November, owing to the large number of visitors who will be coming here for Her Majesty's Coronation?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI can assure my noble friend that the Minister has that matter very much in mind, but I will in any case report to him what my noble friend has said.