§ 32. Mr. EGANasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board is not paying the full rate of wages to men employed on work for which the Ministry has granted financial assistance; and will he advise the board to do so in accordance with the Ministry's recommendations?
§ Mr. SHAWThe Mersey Docks and Harbour Board is carrying out certain work with the promise of financial assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee. In respect of works carried out by direct labour the condition imposed by the Committee requires that 414 the rate of wages paid must not exceed the local authority's rate to its own workmen on similar classes of work, or the recognised district rate (where such exists) if that is lower. Within the limits imposed by that condition the local authority has discretion as to the rate to be paid. The question of the rate to be paid by a contractor is also one for arrangement between the local authority and the contractor. I am unable to intervene in either case.