§ 52. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can now state the result of the inquiry into the conditions of employment at the sugar-beet factory at Prestonhall, Cupar, Fifeshire; and if he is satisfied that steps will be taken to ensure the adoption of the Fair-wages Clause and reasonable hours of employment at this factory in future?
§ Major ELLIOTInformation received from the Second Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation, Limited, shows that the three men specifically referred to in the representations had been employed in unloading beets from railway trucks and that the Corporation considered that 1761 the rate of wages paid was reasonable. My right hon. Friend is informed that for next season it is anticipated that the conditions of labour and pay in regard to the unloading of waggons will be standardised among the different factories. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of Section 3 of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925. I hope that no cause for complaint in regard to wages may arise during the next manufacturing season, but if it does, it will be open to the persons aggrieved to make representations to the Board of Agriculture for reference to the Industrial Court.
§ Mr. HARDIEDoes the hon. and gallant Member consider that 84 hours per week is something that is quite in order, and does he think the wages of a chemist amounting to £3 or £4 per week is payment for the work done?
§ Major ELLIOTAny person who is aggrieved in the matter has a right of appeal.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the conditions are such in these sugar factories that a man's work depends upon his keeping his head down and not asking that his ease should be considered, because he knows, if he does, that he is very likely to get the sack; and is he prepared to wipe out that kind of over-lordship which still exists?