HC Deb 04 February 1942 vol 377 cc1182-3
49. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply who is responsible for fixing 9½ per hour which is being paid to the women handling timber in the vicinity of Ashington; and, in view of the nature of the work, is he satisfied that this rate of payment is adequate?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

I am informed that women are employed mainly on the work of peeling, light felling and cross cutting in the district referred to, both by the Home Grown Timber Production Department of the Ministry of Supply and by private employers of that Industry. The rates of wages are settled by the Joint Industrial Council for the Home Grown Timber Trade.

Mr. Taylor

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me when these rates of pay were settled?

Mr. Macmillan

I could not say that.

Mr. Taylor

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the nature of the work, and will he answer the last part of my Question, as to whether this is an adequate rate of payment?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not think it would be very proper for me to go behind the original agreement by which the rate was fixed.

Mr. Stephen

Would the hon. Gentleman himself like to work for that amount?