§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that people from outside London are brought into the London district and employed as trainee-barmen, for the purpose of learning to serve alcoholic drinks, at a wage of 14s. per week, of which 7s. is a subsidy to the employer from the Government; and why this grant is given for this form of training?
§ Mr. E. BrownI presume the reference is to the scheme conducted by the Restaurant Public House Association. 2353W My Department meets the travelling expenses of the trainees and pays the association a grant of 30s. in respect of each man after the first 50 trained and placed in employment during the year. Men during training are lodged on the licensee's premises and receive unemployment benefit or assistance allowances less an amount in respect of lodging and maintenance which leaves them with 7s. a week pocket money. I am satisfied that these arrangements are justified.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the sweated conditions in the licensed victualling trade, he will institute proceedings for the establishment of a trade board for the industry so that this trade may be compelled to pay adequate rates of wages and provide decent and proper conditions of employment?
§ Mr. BrownAn inquiry into the conditions in this trade was made by a committee of the trade, and I am in communication with the employers' organisation on the subject of the action to be taken.