HC Deb 05 March 1931 vol 249 cc564-5
9. Miss LEE

asked the Minister of Labour the number of temporary women clerks over 21 years of age employed in the Ministry of Labour Exchanges; and how many of these women will, after 1st March next, receive a wage of less than 35s. 6d, per week and less than £2 per week, respectively?

Miss BONDFIELD

Of the 2,692 temporary women clerks in the Ministry of Labour Divisional Offices and Employment Exchanges on 1st March, 1,673 were over 21 years of age and in receipt of salary of less than £2 a week; and of these, 869 were in receipt of salary of less than 35s. 6d. a week.

Miss LEE

Can the right hon. Lady say whether there is any chance of the proposed cut being postponed?

Miss BONDFIELD

That question must be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. PYBUS

In view of the fact that all these questions arise out of the justice or injustice of the cost-of-living figure, will the right hon. Lady do something to start an inquiry so that the public can be convinced whether the cost-of-living figure is on a fair or unfair basis with regard to the remuneration of low-paid labour?

Miss BONDFIELD

That matter is now under consideration.

14. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour the number of temporary clerks employed by her Department; the number who are receiving less than £2 10s. per week as a salary; how many of this number have travelling expenses to pay; and how many of them are under 25 years of age?

Miss BONDFIELD

There are 10,790 temporary clerks employed by the Ministry of Labour, 7,949 men and 2,841 women. 7,165–4,354 men and 2,811 women—are receiving less than £2 10s. per week, and of these 1,210–104 men and 1,106 women—are under 25 years of age. I am not able, without making inquiry of each individual officer, to state how many incur travelling expenses in getting to their place of employment.

Mr. MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Lady aware that in many cases the travelling expenses amount to 10s. or 12s. a week, and is she not prepared to consider that point in connection with their wages?

Mr. MATHERS

Does the right hon. Lady consider that these figures maintain the trade union rate for clerical work?

Miss BONDFIELD

It is common to all Departments. It is not a matter on which I, as Minister of Labour, have anything to say.