HC Deb 05 November 1930 vol 244 cc836-7
18. Mr. W. J. BROWN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that girls have been appointed in Portsmouth Dockyard on machine operations at an inclusive rate of 12s. 2d. per week; and whether he will take steps to prevent the employment of girls at these rates of pay?

Mr. AMMON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given him by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury yesterday (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 649).

Mr. BROWN

Is the right. hon. Gentleman aware that in my question yesterday I asked whether steps would be taken to put a stop to this kind of sweating in a Government establishment, and that I got no answer from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury? In those circum- stances, yesterday's reply does not answer to-day's question, and will the hon. Gentleman now answer it?

Mr. AMMON

It appears to me that this is a case that might well be brought to the attention of the Civil Service Commission.

Mr. BROWN

In those circumstances, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will make it the business of his Department to make the strongest possible representations to the Treasury against a continuance of this kind of wage rate?

Mr. AMMON

I suggest that it would he the duty of the hon. Member to make representations to the Royal Commission on behalf of those for whom he speaks.

Mr. BROWN

As the head of a Department has a clear right to make representations to the Treasury, I should like to know if that right will be exercised in this case?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether these girls are recognised; and, if not, by what union their case is to be presented to the Whitley Council?

Mr. AMMON

On that point, I would refer the hon. Member to the hon. Member who put the original question.