§ 3. Mr. Mackasked the Minister of Labour whether he will see that machinery whereby life assurance agents can have their claim for a cost-of-living bonus considered is established forthwith?
§ Mr. BevinSuch machinery already exists in the arbitration procedure provided by the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Orders, 1940–42.
§ Mr. MackIs my right hon. Friend aware that many offices, in spite of their huge profits, have given no war bonus at all to their workers while others have granted totally inadequate amounts, having regard to the high rise in the cost of living, and as a consequence thousands of insurance agents are suffering acutely? Will he give further consideration to this matter?
§ Mr. BevinIt is open to the unions representing the men, if the facts are as the hon. Member has stated, to report a case, and I pass it on to the arbitration court, where they can argue it. I cannot take on the responsibility of actually fixing wages.
§ Mr. MackI take it, then, the right hon. Gentleman will go into any cases which are reported to him?