HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc489-90
8 Mr. Banfield

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether the fair-wages clause is being observed at the Weston Biscuit Factory, Slough, seeing that they are Government contractors;

(2) Whether he is aware that persons wishing to leave their employment at the Weston Biscuit Factory, Slough, are refused their unemployment cards, and are obliged to complain to the Employment Exchange before they can get them; and what action does he intend to take to remedy this state of affairs;

(3) How many persons have left their employment at the Weston Biscuit Factory during the past four weeks; and how many others have been employed there?

Mr. E. Brown

Any question relating to the observance of the fair wages requirements by Government contractors is a matter for the contracting Department concerned. I am making inquiries into the other matters raised by the hon. Member, and will communicate with him in due course.

Mr. Banfield

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that there has been a certain amount of intelligent anticipation of the question, in view of the fact that this firm has raised wages by 1d. an hour this week?

Mr. Brown

I prefer to have all the facts before me before I answer that.