§ 29. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that many foremen in controlled establishments in Scotland have not shared in the rise in wages although they are training unskilled labour, which subsequently earns larger wages than the skilled men instructing such men; whether he is aware of the discontent this engenders; and whether he will take steps to have it remedied?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)It is within the power of an employer to raise the wages of individual foremen without reference to the Ministry. If an application in regard to classes of foremen were put forward by an employer to the Ministry under Section 4 (2) of the Munitions of War Act in the circumstances referred to by my hon. Friend, it would receive sympathetic consideration.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my hon. Friend aware that discontent arises from the fact that skilled foremen who otherwise would earn very large wages are compelled by the necessity of training unskilled labour to abandon the possibility of getting those wages, while the unskilled labour is earning, in many cases, much more than those who are instructing it. Can nothing be done to meet that case?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am quite aware of the facts, but, as the hon. Member is well aware, that arises from the observance of the agreement by trade unions. I quite agree that some adjustment should be made in order that these men should not be penalised in their wages because they are skilled.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it the case that in such cases the applications to the Ministry 805 of Munitions must only be made by the employer? Have the employés no right of access to the Ministry of Munitions?
§ Dr. ADDISONApplications can be made by either party.