HC Deb 18 June 1924 vol 174 c2139W
Mr. CLIMIE

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists at the low wages paid, and the bad conditions prevailing, in the catering trades and other jobs at which workers are employed in the British Empire Exhibition; and if he will, under the Conciliation Act, 1896, use the powers therein given to bring the parties together under the presidency of a neutral chairman or conciliator with a view to avoiding a dispute?

Mr. SHAW

As has already been explained to the House, my hon. Friend the Secretary, Overseas Trade Department, has held conferences on the subject of terms of employment at the British Empire Exhibition. No dispute has been reported to my Department by the parties, nor has any request for intervention been received. I would suggest that, in the first place, the question of working conditions is one for discussion between the representatives of the employers and workers concerned.