HC Deb 07 March 1923 vol 161 cc479-80
73. Mr. MUIR

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, while the number of men employed on relief work by the Glasgow Corporation has increased since 23rd December from 3,594 to 3,614 on 10th February, the anomalous situation arises that the number of those in receipt of the full standard rate of wages has decreased from 2,968 on 23rd December to 2,726 on 10th February, and the number of those in receipt of 75 per cent. of the standard rate has increased from 626 to 888 on the above dates, respectively; and, in view of this apparent use of the 75 per cent. regulation for the chief purpose of evading the payment of the full standard rate to those who have qualified for it, will he consider the advisability of entirely withdrawing that Regulation?

Sir M. BARLOW

I have no information to show how many of the men employed on relief works by the Glasgow Corporation are in receipt of the standard rate of wages, but I do not think that the figures quoted by the hon. Member necessarily indicate that men qualified to receive the full rate are not, in fact, receiving it. I may say that the majority of men employed are understood to be on works for which no State assistance is being received, and their wages are accordingly not governed by the Government Regulation on the matter.

Mr. MUIR

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is quite common where they are engaged in relief work in Glasgow that, having concluded the six months' probationary period, which entitles them to full rate, they are discharged and new men taken on?

Mr. SHINWELL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men engaged on these schemes are doing precisely the same class of work, and is he not of the opinion that they ought to be paid the same rate?

Sir M. BARLOW

That, of course, begs the whole question.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into it?

Sir M BARLOW

With regard to the first supplementary, if any facts are put before me, I will look into them.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Glasgow Corporation themselves are in sympathy with the proposal to pay the same rate to these men?