§ 69. Mr. W. THORNEasked the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle whether the Orders recently issued by the National Service Controller will prevent organised workers from demanding an increase in wages; whether they will prevent the employers from increasing hours of labour without mutual consent; whether such men as the hot-water fitters and other skilled men can be sent to any kind of unskilled labour at a minimum rate of 25s. per week; and whether girls and boys and old men can be put in the places of workmen who may be removed under the Order at a reduced wage?
§ Mr. BECKThere is nothing in the Restricted Occupations Order recently issued by the Ministry of Munitions at 720 the request of the Director-General of National Service to prevent organised workers from demanding increase in wages wherever they could otherwise do so; or to enable employers to increase the hours of labour without mutual consent. It is not proposed to send hot-water fitters or other skilled workmen to any kind of unskilled labour. Such men, if qualified, would be enrolled as War Munition Volunteers; and, if not. will, so far as possible, be drafted to occupations in which their skill can be fully utilised. The wages and conditions of service of workpeople introduced to take the place of men who are transferred under the Order to work of greater national importance will continue to be a matter for agreement between them and the employer.