HC Deb 18 July 1939 vol 350 cc159-60
18. Mr. Ritson

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of men employed at the construction works, near Durham, for the week ending 3rd June, and subsequent weeks, and the total number of hours for which they were paid?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the Official Report. It will be seen that the average number of hours a man a week is 52.

Mr. Ritson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great dissatisfaction existing on this job about these hours? Will he make further inquiry? Is he aware that a deputation of the British Legion who came to see me said that of the men who had complained, there was only one now left on the job, because they had complained?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The hon. Member asked me a question last week and suggested that the men were being compelled to work 80 hours a week. I denied that, and I have now set out in detail the complete schedule of working hours, showing that the average is 52. The lowest is 42 and the highest 56. Both those figures are very considerably below the figure suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Ritson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he gave his answer last week my hon. Friend the Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) and I have been on the job— we went last Saturday— and met a deputation, who refused to accept the figures he gave?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am amazed at what the hon. Member suggests. I have set out for each week the number of men employed, the total number of hours worked and the average hours per man. I will circulate them, and I am willing to examine them with the hon. Member. I cannot understand how such a difference can exist.

Mr. Batey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I went with my hon. Friend last Saturday the men said that they had been working 100 hours a week? Will he agree to have an inquiry on the spot? If so, we will agree to go there and meet his representative.

Mr. Hore-Belisha

In the circumstances, if the hon. Member will give me a written statement from any man who alleges that he has worked 100 hours, I will willingly consider it.

Mr. Ellis Smith

As this is an important matter, since men have been dismissed—

Mr. Speaker

We have a large number of questions on the Order Paper.

Following is the answer:

The pay week on this contract ends on Wednesday, and, for convenience, the figures given are for each pay week.
Week ended. Number of men employed. Total number of hours worked. Average hours per man.
1939.
31st May 236 10,239 43.4
7th June 242 14,159 58.5
14th June 255 14,148 55.5
21st June 244 10,320 42.3
28th June 255 13,935 54.6
5th July 247 12,849 52.0
12th July 238 13,415 56.4
Average hours worked per man 52.0