Mr. T. WILSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of any strikes on the part of asylum attendants having taken place recently; whether the Lunacy Commissioners have power to fix rates of pay and conditions for staffs of asylums on a uniform basis throughout the country; and, if not, whether such power will be given to them or some body set up to which asylum staffs may appeal on questions of wages?
§ Mr. BRACEI am informed that there have been a few recent cases of actual or threatened strikes at asylums. The Board of Control—in which the Lunacy Commissioners are now absorbed—have no power to regulate rates of pay or conditions of service of asylum officers; these are matters for the local authorities by whom the asylums are established and managed. The provision of means for the settlement of questions relating to the conditions of 3357W employment by local authorities is engaging the attention of the Ministry of Labour.