HC Deb 13 March 1941 vol 369 cc1395-6
4. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a large number of workers, heads of families, doing essential war work in various branches of industry and for wages lower than the assessment of needs laid down by the Ministry of Labour for men undergoing courses of training and instruction; and whether he contemplates taking any steps to remedy the position?

Mr. Bevin

I do not understand the basis on which my hon. Friend makes this comparison.

Mr. Mainwaring

Does the Minister consider that is. 2d. per hour is a reasonable wage in these days of rising costs of living for semi-skilled men such as were referred to in the previous Question who have been trained by the Ministry?

Mr. Bevin

Unless my hon. Friend can give me information where those wages exist and on what the men are engaged, it is impossible for me to answer,

Mr. Mainwaring

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider cases I may send forward?

Mr. Bevin

I will.

Sir Irving Albery

Have the Government any comprehensive policy for dealing with the remuneration of labour during war-time?

Mr. Bevin

That does not arise out of this Question.