HC Deb 28 June 1939 vol 349 cc390-1
16. Mr. Banfield

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that civilian bakers employed at Cranwell aerodrome are in receipt of wages of 55s. per week of five 10-hour shifts, including night work alternate weeks; and, in view of the fact that these rates are extremely low, whether he will authorise an immediate increase on the lines of the rates paid at Halton Camp?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The rate of wages paid to civilian bakers employed at Cranwell is 55s. for a 48-hour week. This rate will be reviewed if and when the recent proposals of the Bakery Trade Board are brought into effect.

Mr. Banfield

Will the right hon. Gentleman please bear in mind that the rates fixed by a trade board to be paid are the rates to be paid by the worst employers in the country, and will he therefore really do something to bring his Department into line with the best employers?

Sir K. Wood

I understand that this and other cases of industrial wages are regulated on fair wage principles on the basis of the rates paid in the district for comparable labour.

Mr. Banfield

May I press the right hon. Gentleman to realise that these men who receive low wages are on night work every alternate week, and surely he will know himself that these wages do not compare with trade union rates even in those parts?

Sir K. Wood

Any information that the hon. Member likes to send me, I will gladly consider, or I will see him, if he wishes.

Mr. Mathers

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the developments that take place under his Department make a change in the locality and entitle the rates to be raised in many cases?

Sir K. Wood

I do not know that, but if the hon. Member has any information that he would like me to see, I will gladly consider it.

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