HC Deb 12 April 1932 vol 264 cc638-9
7. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Second Scottish National Housing Company refuse to conform to trade union conditions by paying travelling and country money to painters when engaged in work in Greenock?

Mr. SKELTON

I am informed that painters employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Limited, on work at Greenock are allowed the amount of return railway fares between Glasgow and Greenock for each working day, whether they travel or not, and I am causing inquiry to be made as to whether the conditions of employment laid down in the agreements between the organisations of masters and men are being observed.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the conditions are observed, because my information is that the conditions laid down are not observed?

Mr. SKELTON

I will consider the matter with the facts before me.

Mr. HICKS

Does not the fair wages Clause apply to this company?

Mr. SKELTON

That is a matter on which another question should be put down. I will look into the whole question with the facts before me.

8. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the rate per hour paid to labourers engaged on repairs of steel houses by the Second Scottish National Housing Company?

Mr. SKELTON

I am informed that the rates of wages being paid to labourers employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, on the repair of steel houses vary from 1s. 5d. to 1s. 1d. per hour, according to the skill and experience of each labourer.

Mr. McGOVERN

As the trade union rate is 1s. 2¾d., while in a number of cases only 1s. 1d. is being paid, will the hon. Gentleman see that the proper conditions are observed in this case also?

Mr. SKELTON

If I may say so, my answer to the previous supplementary question applies to this one also.

9. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the rate per hour paid to red-leaders by the Second Scottish National Housing Company who are engaged on painting of steel houses?

Mr. SKELTON

I am informed that the rate of wages being paid to red-leaders employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, on steel houses, is 1s. 1d. per hour.

Mr. McGOVERN

As that, again, is not the rate laid down by the building trade organisations, will the hon. Gentleman see that that rate is conformed to also?

Mr. SKELTON

Once again the same supplementary answer applies.