HC Deb 31 October 1939 vol 352 cc1760-1W
Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consult the Postmaster-General and other Ministries with a view to finding part-time employment in Government service for the waiters and kitchen staff now engaged for three days a week in the Houses of Parliament, in order that they may thus be enabled to earn a living wage?

Captain Crookshank

I understand that the Postmaster-General has already been approached informally on the question whether it would be possible to find part-time employment in his Department for the waiters and kitchen staff of the Kitchen Committee. There are certain difficulties but the matter is being further explored. I am also informed that the staff in question are at the present time being paid by the Kitchen Committee wages for a full week even though they are only required to work for three days in the House.