HC Deb 21 March 1944 vol 398 cc657-8
32. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the figures showing the percentage of piece-rate workers on coal as compared to other underground workers; and will he give separate figures for Lancashire.

Major Lloyd George

I regret that this information is not at present available.

Mr. Tinker

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman try to get that in view of the increase?

Major Lloyd George

I am already taking steps to get it. We have got rough information; I am taking steps to get the most detailed information possible.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the Regional Controllers issue a statement each month giving this information? Now the Minister says he has not got it.

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend will appreciate that I can tell him now, approximately, what the figures are. For instance, we know that face workers approximate to pieceworkers, but there are some face workers who are not pieceworkers, and there are some pieceworkers who are not face workers.

Mr. Foster

Is it not a fact that the percentage of workers on piece rates is, approximately, about 25 per cent, of the total personnel?

Mr. Tinker

If I repeat the Question again, soon, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman try to reply to it?

Major Lloyd George

I believe one-third of the workers on the face are pieceworkers, but that is only approximate.

Mr. Foster

But they are not on piece rates.