HC Deb 17 February 1937 vol 320 cc1173-4
36. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the representations made by the Transport and General Workers' Union in December last, that the contractors responsible for the construction of the Scampton and Hemswall aerodromes were not observing in all respects the fair wages clause; whether investigations have yet been made, and when he hopes finally to deal with the matter; and whether, in the event of the complaint being found to be substantiated, he will take steps to cause the contractors to pay proper overtime rates from 20th August last, when their attention was called to the matter by the union, to all the persons who have been in their employ since that date?

Sir V. Warrender

The representations referred to are under consideration, and the necessary investigations are being carried out as expeditiously as possible. If the complaint is substantiated, the question of retrospective adjustment will, as is customary in such cases, receive due consideration.

Mr. Hall

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for the final paragraph of his reply, may I ask whether he appreciates the fact that six weeks ago the Department informed the union concerned that the matter was under active investigation?

Sir V. Warrender

I am aware that there has been some delay, but that has not been the fault of the Air Ministry.