HC Deb 25 April 1917 vol 92 cc2388-9
66. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the bonus recently granted to men in the shipyards and engineering works applies to railway engineering works and to aeroplane manufacturing works; and, if so, have these works been notified that they must pay the bonus?

Mr. KELLAWAY

The award of the Committee on Production dated 1st March for shipbuilding trades applies directly to members of the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and the award of the same date for the Engineering and foundry trades applies directly to members of the Engineering Employers' Federation. The Munitions of War Bill now before the House will make provision that the Minister should have power to order a corresponding increase in the case of non-federated firms in these trades. If this power is given, he proposes to issue a Statutory Order which will have retrospective effect as from 1st April, the date on which the awards of the Committee on Production referred to became operative. Intimation of this intention of the Minister has been circulated among non-federated controlled establishments who will be affected, and the advance has already been generally conceded. Aeroplane manufacturing works are in the same position as engineering establishments with regard to the award and to the proposed Order in so far as they employ workmen who are engaged on the same operations as those who, in engineering establishments, are covered by the award, and intimation of the Minister's intention to issue the proposed Order has been sent to non-federated controlled aeroplane works who employ such Workmen. The position of railway engineering works is forming the subject of special consideration by the Minister.

Sir T. WALTERS

May I ask whether the foremen employed in these works and the clerical staff employed in these works share those benefits?

Mr. KELLAWAY

The award will apply to the engineering industry. I do not think, speaking off-hand, that it is meant to apply to the clerical staff.

Sir T. WALTERS

Or to the foremen. The foremen are the worst paid men in the engineering world.