§ 16. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the labourers employed in the mains department of the Fife Electric Power Company are paid only is per hour, from which deductions are made for superannuation and other purposes; that on several occasions increased wages have been promised but have not materialised; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to seeing that fair wages conditions are observed?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn the autumn of last year my Department was requested by the trade unions concerned to intervene in regard to differences that existed between this company and its employés and action was taken which led to negotiations and an arrangement between the parties. My right hon. Friend has not been informed that this arrangement has not been carried out.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the fact that there are many complaints on the part of the labourers employed by the company, will the hon. Member make inquiries into the actual conditions under which they are employed and the wages being paid?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that the trade unions with whom we are in touch can be relied upon to look after the welfare of their own members, and they know that the good offices of the Department are always at their disposal if desired.