HC Deb 27 January 1937 vol 319 cc926-7
29. Mr. Adamson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether, seeing that the firm of Boulton Paul Aircraft, Limited, Pendeford, Wolverhampton, are engaged in contracts for the Air Ministry, he will say, in relation to the present trade dispute at these works, whether the conditions under the fair-wage clause in acceptance of contracts is being enforced?

Sir P. Sassoon

The contracts with this company embody the fair-wages clause, and no complaint of non-compliance with it has reached the Air Ministry.

Mr. Adamson

Has the right hon. Baronet made inquiries as to the cause of the dispute?

Sir P. Sassoon

I was asked a question about the Fair Wages Clause. If a complaint is made that the Fair Wages Clause is being infringed, we examine the case to see whether that is so. I believe in this instance the demand is that the piece rates should never result in men getting less than 25 per cent. over the district rate; therefore the infringement of the Fair Wages Clause does not come into it.

65. Mr. Adamson

asked the Minister of Labour the cause of the trade dispute at the Boulton Paul Aircraft Limited, works, Pendeford, Wolverhampton; and whether his Department have taken steps to bring about a settlement through the trade union representatives?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

I understand that this stoppage of work took place without the authority of the union of which the work-people are members. Arrangements have been made for a conference between the employers' association and the trade union as soon as work is resumed, and in these circumstances there is no action that my right hon. Friend can usefully take.