§ 16. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the Haifa harbour works, any rules have been laid down fixing a minimum wage for skilled or for unskilled labour which shall be sufficient to enable Jewish labour to live on their pay; and, if so, what are the general rules governing wages on, this public work?
§ Mr. AMERYThese and other questions affecting conditions of labour have been referred to the High Commissioner for further consideration, in the light of the decision that the works should be carried out departmentally.
§ 18. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has seen the terms of the contract for the construction of the harbour at Haifa; whether it is intended that the contract shall include a fair-wages clause; and whether, in the case of the work done by direct labour, it is intended that a proportion of Jewish workmen will be engaged?
§ Mr. AMERYIn view of the decision that the harbour works should be constructed departmentally, no question of contract at present arises. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that the wages paid will 1550 enable the Jewish workmen to compete on fair terms as regards labour?
§ Mr. AMERYThat is just one of the points on which, as I said in answer to the previous question, I have invited the High Commissioner's consideration, In order to see what scale he can arrange to meet the object in view.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill he try to avoid any communal treatment of Arabs and Jews on the Haifa, harbour works; that is to say, the setting up of one rate of pay for the one nationality and another rate for the other nationality?
§ Mr. AMERYThe High Commissioner will endeavour, if possible, to arrange the scales in such a fashion as not to lay stress on that aspect of the matter.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODNot to make invidious distinctions?