§ 2. Mr. HICKSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what number of workers discharged since December, 1931, from the Royal Army Clothing Department have been found employment through the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with the War Office, as promised in Notice R3195, posted in the clothing factory on 1st February, 1932; and how many girls have been before the court of referees for refusing the unsatisfactory conditions in the firms where they were engaged?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)I have been asked to reply. Seventeen workers have been placed through the Ministry of Labour. As regards the second part of the question, I have no evidence that the conditions of employment with other firms were unsatisfactory. Eight cases have been traced in which the claim to benefit was referred to a court of referees on the ground of refusal of suitable employment, and of these seven were disallowed and one allowed; there were also seven cases of reference on the ground of voluntary leaving without just cause and of these one was disallowed and six allowed.
§ Mr. HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman see that in all cases the fair wage clause applies, in order that these people may benefit by it when they get employment?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat is a question which ought to be addressed to my hon. Friend, but I am assured that contracts placed by the War Office have a fair wages clause.
§ Mr. LAWSONMay I ask the number of workers Who were employed at this factory in order that we may be able to see what proportion have been found employment?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat is not the question on the Paper. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.