30. Mr. POINTERasked is it a fact that in the juniors of the staff of the Lighting and Ventilating Department there are men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two years, with six and eight years' service, who are working for wages varying from 12s. to 19s. per week; whether he will state what is the nature of their work; how many hours per week they are employed; what they receive for extra duty; what is the maximum wage of their class; whether they pass automatically to a higher grade; and, if so, under what conditions; whether they are established; and what pension rights they have?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)There are men employed as stated by my hon. Friend. Their hours are fifty per week, overtime being made good by additions of leave on full pay. The maximum wage is 25s. and 12s. for the two classes respectively, and in addition there is full pay for annual leave and during six months of sickness. The attention of the Department has already been directed to the position of these men, and it will be considered consequent on the report of a Committee now sitting.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI hope at the end of June.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre we to understand from that report that the facts are as stated in the question; that several men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two are working for wages varying from 12s. to 19s. per week; and if that is so is it necessary that a Committee should hold an inquiry?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI said the case should have attention and the Office has already taken steps, but it is better to have the whole scheme revised than to deal with one class.
§ Mr. COOPERDoes the hon. Gentleman admit the wages are from 12s. to 19s. per week?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNYes; but I should explain that these men started as boys and belong to a class which is only intended for boys.