§ 55. Mr. GROVESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his Department has yet made any changes in the working conditions of the women cleaners engaged at the Deanery Road, Stratford, Inland Revenue section, who are paid 12s. for 28½ hours in early morning and late evening shifts; and whether these women are insured under the National Health Contributory Insurance Scheme?
§ Major ELLIOTThe cleaning of the offices at Deanery Road, Stratford, is done under contract and the women cleaners are in the employ of the contractor. In point of fact notice to determine the contract is being given. I am making inquiry into the question of National Health Insurance.
§ Mr. GROVESI put a question down for written reply three weeks ago and got no reply, but since this oral question has been on the Paper these women have received a shilling per week increase. As the amount is still inadequate, will the right hon. Gentleman make further investigations and see that fair wages are paid?
§ Major ELLIOTNo. As I have said the cleaners are in the employment of a contractor. The Department has made no increase. As to further action, notice of the determination of the contract has been given.
§ Mr. GROVESThe officers of the right hon. Gentleman's Department made inquiry, and, following that inquiry, the women got an increase of a shilling a week. As this leaves these women still badly underpaid, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange that any new contract guarantees the payment of adequate wages?
§ Major ELLIOTAs I have stated, the women are in the employment of a contractor and notice to determine the contract has been given. It would be impossible to go further than that.
§ Mr. N. MACLEANAs this contract is being determined, will the Department see that in any new contract with any other firm, or if the Department takes the work under its direct control, fair wages are given?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not think that arises out of the question.