HC Deb 28 June 1939 vol 349 cc392-3
20. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether employés in the Government's aircraft factory at Speke, Liverpool, when attending camps as Territorials, or when undergoing their six months' training as militiamen, will have their service pay and allowances augmented to equal the wages received while at work in the factory?

Sir K. Wood

I understand that the position in regard to the employés at the factory at Speke, managed by Messrs. Rootes, Limited, is that weekly paid staff who are Territorials and who, under the terms of their engagement with the firm, are entitled to a fortnight's holiday with pay, receive full pay while attending camp and are given an extra week's holiday. Hourly paid staff, who are not entitled to a holiday under the terms of their engagement, are credited with an allowance while at camp which is at the rate of £1 per week for married men and 15s. per week for single men. Men called up for service with the Militia will not receive any payment from the firm during the period of their military training.

Mr. Kirby

Will that reply be applicable to all departments of this character run by the Ministry and the Government generally?

Sir K. Wood

I will inquire into that, but this matter has to do with a particular firm, and if the hon. Member will put down a question, I will try to give him a reply.