§ 31. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour what are the wages paid to the cleaners at Employment Exchanges in Glasgow; when was the wage last reduced; and if it is the intention to restore the wages to their former level?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. The basic hourly rates of wages paid to cleaners at Employment Exchanges in Glasgow are 7d. and 7½ for men and 4½ and 5d. for women. Bonus at the usual rate is added. The hours worked per week vary from office to office. These basic rates have been in operation for many years. There has been no change in the hourly rates (including bonus) since the bonus was stabilised on 1st September, 1931. There is no present intention of varying these rates.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Member aware that the wages were reduced in 1931 by 10 per cent., and that a female cleaner now receives the handsome sum of 22s. per week instead of 24s. per week. Will not the Government take steps to restore the 2s.cut?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYMy information is that there has been no reduction in the basic rates. The hourly rate was stabilised in 1931, but there has been no reduction since. Perhaps the hon. Member will convey to the Minister of Labour by letter the information he has now given to the House.
§ Mr. BUCHANANI beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment, and I hope there will be someone present to represent the Department.