asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to make the Wages Board Order establishing a Wages Board for workers in industrial and staff canteens; how many persons male and female will come within the terms of the Order; and how many come within the categories excluded in the recommendations of the Catering Wages Commission.

As I stated in reply to a Question on r6th March by the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) I have made an Order establishing a Wages Board for Industrial and Staff Canteens. It is estimated that the number of persons who will come within the terms of the Order will be about 200,000 of whom the great majority will be women. As regards the last part of the Question I regret that information is not available on which to base an estimate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the number is substantial?

I cannot answer that question; I have not the figures.