HC Deb 13 July 1927 vol 208 cc2123-4
21. Mr. PALING

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a uniform rate is paid by his Department to employés engaged as electricians' mates at the various aerodromes throughout the country; and, if not, can he state the normal working week and rate of pay at the highest and lowest standards, together with the names of the aerodromes referred to?

Sir S. HOARE

Electricians' mates employed by the Air Ministry in the London district, i.e., within a 12-miles radius of Charing Cross, are paid in accordance with the agreement between the Electrical Trades Union and the National Federated Electrical Association; at the present time the rate is £3 8s. 6½d. for a 47-hour week. Outside the London district there is no similar agreement, and it has therefore been necessary to fix rates for the various stations; these compare favourably with those paid to electricians' mates in private employment, and vary from 52s. 11d. at Uxbridge to 40s. 2d. at Bircham Newton in Norfolk, for a 47-hour week.

Mr. PALING

Is it a fact that a policy of reduction of wages has been put into operation in recent months in the Northern Command area?

Sir S. HOARE

Not so far as I know, but I will look into the point and, if the hon. Member will put down a Question on the matter, I will give him an answer.

Mr. PALING

Are the rates paid in the Northern Command, or anywhere else, up to the trade union rate recognised by the electrical trade union?

Sir S. HOARE

I understand they are all fixed in direct relation to the rates paid to labour.

Mr. PALING

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the electrical trade union would admit these rates? There is, I believe, a rate of 42s., for instance, in one place.

Sir S. HOARE

I could not give an answer without notice. As I said, if the hon. Member puts the question down, I will give an answer.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has issued notices to men reducing their wages, in stages of 3s. and 4s. a week, by as much as 15s. a week without any discussion or negotiation?

Mr. SPEAKER

That Question ought to be put down.