§ 75. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the strike among the girl piece-workers employed at the London Nut Food Company's works at Battersea, owing to their earnings for a week of 52 hours being under 7s. 6d. for 20 per cent. of them, under 17s. 6d. for 60 per cent. of them, and under 20s. for 80 per cent. of them; and is he prepared to take immediate steps to introduce a living wage for girls in all food industries?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am aware of the dispute to which the hon. Member refers. My Department was able to render some assistance to the parties, and I am informed that a provisional agreement has been reached and an early resumption of work is expected. In the circumstances, I do not think it desirable to make any other observations on the position.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that up to last night the terms issued by his Department had not been found satisfactory by either party?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo,, Sir. On the contrary, according to my information, an early resumption of work is expected.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the hon. Gentleman himself satisfied that what is described as a living wage is in fact a living wage for these girls?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe figures which are given in the question are not admitted by the firm as being accurate.
§ Mr. HAYESI am asking whether the terms in the agreement to which the hon. Gentleman has referred are regarded as being a living wage?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat, I am afraid, I cannot answer. I do not know myself what the terms are. All I know is that, according to my information, work is likely to be resumed immediately on the terms of the agreement.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAWill the hon. Gentleman arrange for the girls who, actually, week after week, have received less than seven shillings to be brought here to the Bar of the House?