HC Deb 17 November 1938 vol 341 cc1029-30
6. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why some assistance clerks under the Unemployment Assistance Board are being paid 5s. per week less than temporary investigating clerks who are in a lower grade and subject to the control of the assistance clerks?

Mr. E. Brown

There is an overlap between the salary scales of assistance clerks and that of temporary investigating clerks. A certain number of assistance clerks will, therefore, at any given time be at a point in their scale lower than that reached by some of the temporary investigating clerks in their scale. This position, which arises elsewhere in the Civil Service is well understood and should not be the cause of difficulty.

Mr. Mander

The position is well understood, but it is deeply resented by the persons concerned who are receiving the sums indicated in the question. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that something is done to alter this system, which is obviously unjust?

Mr. Brown

I think that the hon. Member is using stronger language than is justified. If he were an employer on a large scale he would find that those who are on a temporary basis would prefer to be on permanent work.