§ 68. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his Department has refused to allow payment of the full trade union rate of wages to the unemployed engaged on relief work in Birmingham; what is the reason for this; and whether the city council can now be allowed to pay the balance of 25 per cent, to bring up wages to the full amount?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERIt is a condition of a grant by the Unemployment Grants Committee that, where the work is carried out by direct labour, the rate of wages paid for unskilled labour must not, for a probationary period of six months, exceed 75 per cent, of the local authority's rate for unskilled labour. This condition was made after full consideration, and cannot be waived if the grant is to be paid.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Ministry have made exceptions in these eases on the understanding that the men so engaged shall be capable and competent to do the work, and, therefore, capable of earning the money in the ordinary way?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI am aware of that fact. My right hon. Friend is considering the whole matter, but it is the considered judgment which I have reported to the House.