HC Deb 08 July 1913 vol 55 cc209-10
34. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked if there are any unskilled labourers or other workers employed under the War Office receiving less than 20s. a week; if so, the number of such persons; and the cost of raising the minimum rate of pay in all such cases to 20s. a week?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

At some military stations the minimum wage of unskilled labourers is below 20s. It is fixed from time to time in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House, and I cannot undertake to depart from the approved policy in these matters.

Mr. HALL

May I ask whether it is not the fact that the unskilled labourers in the Eastern Command are in receipt of wages of 18s. 2d. per week, raised by 8d. during the last nine years, and does the hon. Gentleman think that constitutes "a. model employer of labour," to which he recently referred?

Mr. BAKER

If the hon. Member will give me any instances where we are not observing the Fair-Wages Resolution, I. will inquire into them at once.