HC Deb 09 March 1939 vol 344 cc2323-4
26. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Mossley Woolcombing and Spinning Company, Limited, Lancashire, have recently posted a notice informing their employes that the working week will in future be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one hour's break for meals, which, including a half-day's work on Saturday, will total a 61–hour working week net, and that there is no promise that overtime rates will apply in respect of any of those hours; and whether he will take action in the matter?

Mr. E. Brown

I am not aware of the position as stated in the question, but I will inquire into the matter.

Mr. Davies

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that the facts are as stated in the question—he need not shake his head; I can tell the truth as well as he can— will he inquire also whether there is not a stipulation that when foreign employe's come here they are not supposed to degrade British labour standards?

Mr. Brown

I was not shaking my head to cast doubt on the truth of the hon. Member's statement but because of the hypothetical character of the question. He began with an "If." I prefer to await the result of inquiries.