§ 24. Mr. WATTasked the Minister of Munitions whether the 100 munitions workers who were discharged from a controlled establishment at Paisley three months ago, and who were stated by the Minister of Munitions to be holding themselves in readiness for future work, have yet been called upon to do this work; and, if not, will he say whether any more munition workers are now called for in Scotland?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)I am not certain as to the firm to which my hon. Friend is referring. If he will send me the necessary information I will make inquiries and let him know the result.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that his Department are advertising at the present moment for munition workers, while at this particular works they have been suspended for four months?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt depends entirely on the particular process of munition-making in which the people are engaged. In regard to some munitions we have a surplus; in regard to others we have not.
§ 27. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Munitions whether women are being employed, after they have completed their period of qualification, on a minimum time rate in the Edinburgh district; and what is that rate?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe time rates for women on various classes of munition work and the provisions as to placing them on piecework when qualified are contained in Orders made by the Minister of Munitions on the 24th February and the 6th July, respectively. I am sending copies of these Orders to my hon. Friend, and if he will bring to my notice any case in which it appears that they are not being complied with, I shall be obliged.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs any inquiry made as to whether they are being complied with?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have a regular system of inquiry all over the country.
§ 28. Mr. HOGGEasked whether munition workers in controlled establishments 654 in the Edinburgh district are being employed on a minimum time rate which is lower than the existing rate for casual labour?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have no information enabling me to answer this question, though I should think it quite likely that persons are being employed on regular munition work at a lower rate per hour than that paid in employments where work is casual and average earnings therefore relatively low. I shall be glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend can supply.
§ Dr. ADDISONI understand that the minimum time rate for turners in Edinburgh, recognised by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, is 42s. 9d. a week, but I am unable to say what is the lowest rate paid in the district.
§ 30. Mr. HOGGEasked what is the minimum time rate paid to munition workers machining shells in the Edinburgh district?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe minimum time rates required by Circulars L 2 and L 3 to be paid to munition workers machining shells in the Edinburgh district are 32s. 9d. and £l per week of fifty-four hours for male and female machinists respectively.