4. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Pensions, with reference to the conditions of employment at the East Lancashire tuberculosis colony, whether he is aware that, though statements are made that the men receive the trade union rate of wages, the average wage paid is 2d. per hour, and that in certain cases the superintendent utilises National Health Insurance payments and grants from the British Legion to supplement wages as low as 15s. a week; and whether he will have full inquiries made before 2384 any more pensioners are sent to this institution?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)I have been asked to reply. My information is that a bonus of 2d. per hour is paid to the patients under treatment at this institution who, during their courses of treatment, receive training in various occupations, and that men who, after completion of treatment and training, enter the settlement attached to the institution in order to earn a livelihood are paid wages at trade union rates. I understand that endeavours were made to obtain assistance for one prospective settler only, who was not in receipt of a war pension for tuberculosis and who was only fit for part-time work, from the man's approved society and from the "Roll of Honour" Fund. I see no necessity, therefore, for any special inquiries.