asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on his discussions with representatives of the trade unions, employers, and independent members of the Licensed Residential Establishments Wages Board, concerning the question of tips being regarded as wages; and what his proposals are in regard to the proposed wages order.

At their request, I received a deputation from the workers' side of the Licensed Residential Establishment and Licensed Restaurant Wages Board on 6th July, to discuss the "tipping" provisions of the Board's proposals. I subsequently saw representatives of the employers' side and the independent members.I have given the most careful consideration to all the views expressed, and have decided that there are no circumstances which would justify me in referring back the proposals to the Board for reconsideration. I shall, therefore, make an order to give effect to them as soon as practicable.