HC Deb 21 January 1931 vol 247 c181
41. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour the standard rates of wages for the drop-forgings industry?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)

The only standard rates embodied in collective agreements between employers' and workpeople's organisations for drop-forgers and stampers of which I am aware are 57s. per week for tool setters and 54s. to 58s. for stampers in the engineering and allied industries in the Birmingham, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire area. A large proportion of the workpeople, however, are paid on piece rates, which vary according to the class of work and other conditions.

Mr. MANDER

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the rates that he has mentioned are the general pay for the dropforgings industry?

Mr. LAWSON

Yes, as far as we know. The bon. Gentleman drew the attention of the Department to certain companies, and, as far as we can gather, those companies are paying the rates laid down in the agreements which I have mentioned.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Are we to understand that 37s. a week is paid for skilled labour in England?

HON. MEMBERS

Fifty-seven.

Mr. LAWSON

The figures are 57s. for tool setters and 54s. to 58s. for stampers.