19. Mr. MALONEasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the evidence given in the trial arising out of the Tipton explosion, to the effect that workers received only 8d. for three days' work; whether there is no trade board regulating the payment of wages in the handling of explosives; and whether, in view of the extremely low wages which appear to be paid, he will institute an inquiry with the object of establishing a trade board in this industry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAStatements have appeared in the Press to the effect mentioned in the first part of the question. The wages of workpeople handling explosives are not governed by a trade board. If the hon. Member is in a position to satisfy me that there is reason to believe that the rate of wages prevailing in the trade in question or in any branch of that trade is unduly low as compared with those in other employments, and that no adequate machinery exists for the effective regulation of wages throughout the trade, I shall be prepared further to consider the suggestion.
§ Mr. WATERSONAre not the wages that these people were receiving sufficient justification for the Ministry acting straight away?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe information I have got is from statements in the Press. I have no information beyond that.
§ Mr. WATERSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see the necessity of making some inquiries into these statements, either to repudiate them or to say that they are correct?
§ Mr. CAIRNSIs it a fact that they had 6½d. a day?