HC Deb 26 March 1942 vol 378 cc2123-4
10. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that friendly aliens are now demanding, and receiving, abnormal wages for domestic service in replacement of British women called to the Forces; and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. Bevin

I have no evidence that aliens entering domestic service are demanding or receiving wages which are greater than those being offered and paid to British women entering similar employment.

Sir T. Moore

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that these aliens are actually receiving four or five times the amount of pay to take the place of our own girls called up for service, and even twice the amount of pay which they themselves received previously for the same service, and will he not do something to control the wages which are demanded by and paid to these people?

Earl Winterton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Council on Aliens, the official advisory committee on this matter, has received no such information as that given by my hon. and gallant Friend, and that if it had had such information, it would, of course, have conveyed it to the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Bevin

If there is any such information as that given to me by my hon. and gallant Friend, I will look into it, but there is a remedy—we had better do our own washing up.