Mr. Amoryasked the Minister of Labour when, in view of the urgent necessity of amending the present regulations under the Catering Wages Act, he will give an assurance that he will do so in time for them to become effective by the beginning of the holiday and tourist season.
§ Mr. BevanI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the wages regulation order covering licensed hotels. I cannot make an amending order under the Catering Wages Act except upon proposals submitted to me by the Wages Board. I understand the Board is about to publish amending proposals specifying a period of 28 days during which representations may be made to it. The Board must consider any such representations before submitting its proposals to me. It is possible within the statutory procedure for an amending order to be made effective before the summer season, but I am afraid I cannot give any more specific assurance.