HC Deb 20 April 1937 vol 322 cc1586-7
61. Mr. Perkins

asked the Minister of Transport what was the net amount of money paid to each of the following men: Mr. Mills, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Morris, Mr. Shergold, and Mr. Smith for the week ended 17th March, while employed by his Department on certain work in connection with Minchinhampton aerodrome; and whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances, he will make some allowance for wet time?

Captain Hudson

The rates of wages and conditions are governed by an agreement between the employers and the trade unions. I am informed that during this particular week the men did five hours work for which they received, in accordance with the agreed rates, 5s.

Mr. Perkins

Is the hon. and gallant Member quite satisfied that 5s. was an adequate wage?

65. Mr. Perkins

asked the Minister of Labour for what reason Mr. Mills, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Morris, Mr. Shergold, and Mr. Smith were refused benefit for the week ended 17th March while employed by the Ministry of Transport on the construction of Minchinhampton aerodrome, in view of the fact that their net earnings for that week were between 4s. and 5s. each?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

Four of these five workers were not entitled to unemployment benefit in the week ending 17th March because they had to serve a waiting period, having been continuously employed for over To weeks. The other one, Mr. Morris, applied for unemployment assistance and received an allowance for the period.