HC Deb 25 June 1924 vol 175 cc411-2
22. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. J. Parkin, 6, York Street, Willington, County Durham, served nearly three years in the fighting line, being twice wounded; that he has been trained and is now employed as a joiner, only receiving 65 per cent. of the district rate of wages for joiners, namely, 5s. 10d. per day; that he is a married man with a wife and three children to support; and will he explain why he has not been granted some Government allowance to supplement these low wages?

Mr. SHAW

Mr. Parkin has been paid full or partial allowances by the Ministry of Labour for the maximum period possible under the Training Scheme for the building trade, and I regret that I have no power to make further payments. The scheme provides for the payment by the employer, at the stage which Mr. Parkin has reached, of 65 per cent. of the district rate, and for progressive increases in the future. The rate for colliery joiners in Willington is less than that for joiners not in collieries, but Mr. Parkin was placed with a colliery at his own request as he receives a free house and coals in addition to his wages.

Mr. BATEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man signed an agreement with the Ministry of Labour expecting to be paid an allowance for three years, and that he has only been paid the allowance for 26 weeks?

Mr. SHAW

No, I am not aware of any breach of agreement. If my hon. Friend will give me evidence that a breach of agreement has been made I will see that the matter is attended to.

Mr. BATEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that 5s. 10d. a day for a married man with three children, who has served three years in the War, and has been twice wounded, a reasonable allowance?

Mr. SHAW

I did not say anything about "a reasonable allowance." What I said was that I regretted I had no power to make further payments.

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