§ Mr. RAPERasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the conditions prevailing in certain tea shops in the City, where the girl assistants are paid a total wage of about 12s. 6d. per week; and, if so, why these tea shops are allowed to keep open?
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§ Sir M. BARLOWI have been asked to reply. The attention of this Department has been called to the alleged low wages prevailing in certain branches of the catering trade, and investigations are proceeding at present with a view to setting up a Trade Board or Boards for this trade with as little delay as possible. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Trade Board or Boards when established will have the duty of fixing minimum rates of wages for workers in tea shops and other catering establishments.