§ Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that licensed victuallers secure extended hours of opening at Christmas without according to the employes in the trade additional payments to compensate them for the extra hours worked; and whether he will circularise the licensing magistrates asking them if they will satisfy themselves, before granting a licence of extension, that the welfare of the employes is properly safeguarded?
§ Sir S. HoareI assume that the hon. Member refers to extension of hours by virtue of Special Orders of Exemption granted under Section 57 of the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910. These Orders may be granted not only during the Christmas season but in respect of any special occasion. I have no information as to the general practice of licensed victuallers in regard to the payment of their employes in respect of extended hours, and the question of the matters to be considered by the authorities concerned in the exercise of the discretion conferred on them by the Act is one on which I have no authority to express an opinion. I do not think, therefore, that it would be proper for me to address any representations to them on this subject.
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§ Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that bar workers employed by licensed victuallers not only work additional hours at Christmas, without extra pay, but also receive no half-holiday in the following week; and whether he has taken any steps to assist in bringing these people under a collective agreement under a trade board?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to his question on the same subject addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. As regards the second part, I am informed that following consultation with my Department organisations of employers and workers in this trade are endeavouring to frame a scheme for regulating wages and hours. I am awaiting the outcome of these efforts.