HC Deb 25 April 1944 vol 399 cc630-1
64. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the estimated annual cost of the Porter Awards on overtime and holidays with pay, respectively, in adition to the £5,000,000 per annum announced as the approximate cost of the minimum wage award.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)

The information at present available is insufficient to enable a close estimate to be made, but an approximate estimate of the annual cost of the Porter Awards on overtime and holidays with pay is £5,000,000 and £1,500,000.

Mr. Foster

Is the Minister aware that over £5,000,000 has been paid out of this Fund to the colliery owners, where the collieries have become necessitous undertakings?