§ 31. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the excessive amount of overtime being worked by the B. and C. Aeronaut Company, Filton, who are Government contractors, whilst, at the same time, there are many competent and willing men out of employment; if he is aware that the firm are not paying the standard rate of wages of the district, which is 36s. per week for fifty hours for wood workers and 34s. for trimmers, neither are they paying the overtime rates, which are time and a quarter for the first two hours, and time and a half for the second two hours, and double time after, for Saturday time and a half and double time, and double time for Sundays; whether he will consider if this firm are violating the Fair-Wage Clause; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Mr. BAKERThe attention of this company has been called to the necessity 948 of limiting overtime. They state that they have taken on as many men as possible and will continue to do so. A complaint was recently received as to certain rates of wages and is now being investigated.