71. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information to give the House relative to the dispute in the transport industry; what is the average weekly wage at present earned by a carter in the London area; and when was the latest increase granted?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI have been asked to reply to this question. At Leeds and Bradford the carters struck work last Thursday. The men are also on strike at Keighley, Bingley and Skipton. At Huddersfield it is understood that the carters will strike on Wednesday night. The Employers' National Organisations last Wednesday, after an interview with Sir David Shackleton, stated that they were willing that their local associations should discuss the matter locally with the representatives of the trade unions con-
1345 cerned. These local negotiations are now taking place. The wages of carters in London area at present range from 66s. per week for the driver of a one-horse vehicle (heavy single) to 77s. per week for the driver of a four-horse vehicle. Overtime payments or increased hourly rates are given for work in excess of 48 hours per week. The last increase, which was 5s. per week, was given in March, effective as from the beginning of April.
Mr. J. JONESCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the new transport volunteers called for by the Government have been guaranteed a rate of wages?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI was not aware that volunteers had been called for by the Government.