HC Deb 16 March 1944 vol 398 cc376-7
5. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Labour what applications for increases of wages have been submitted by workers in the major industries of the country since the date of the Porter Award on wages in the coal industry; and what are the particulars of such applications.

Mr. Bevin

Applications for increases of wages made on behalf of workers are not notified to my Department, unless there is a failure to reach a settlement. I am not aware of any such applications having been influenced by the Award referred to by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Colegate

In cases where a settlement is not reached and an award has to be made and it is notified to him that there is a blunder in the award, which makes it unworkable, will either my right hon. Friend or some Member of the Cabinet examine such an award, before the industry concerned is thrown into confusion by its attempted enforcement?

Mr. Bevin

I do not accept what my hon. Friend says. I do not know a single award that has been made which has caused any upset at all. [HON. MEMBERS "Oh‡") What I do know is that there was an upset, which arose before people had studied an award.

Mr. Shinwell

Does my right hon. Friend seriously suggest that there has been no upset as a result of the Porter Award?

Mr. Bevin

I assert, with conviction, that the Porter Award did not cause the upset. The Porter Award has not been carefully examined or applied.

Mr. Shinwell

By whom was it not applied?