§ 1. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that numbers of girls working as engineers are earning only the standard wage of £2 10s. per week and that, after paying lodgings they are finding difficulties in making ends meet; that feeling exists at the delays in the calling of a conference to consider this and other problems; and whether he will take steps to hasten a favourable settlement on a basis more nearly approaching equal pay for equal work.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I am aware that for the first few weeks of her employment, before she can become sufficiently proficient to secure a higher level of earnings, a girl living in lodgings away from home may, in certain circumstances, need assistance. It was for this reason that I recently increased the settling-in grants, to which I referred in the statement I made on 2nd December in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). As regards the second and third parts of the Question, I understand that discussions are proceeding between the employers and the trade unions regarding women's pay. In accordance with the Government's policy, this is a matter for the industry to settle.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs my right hon. Friend aware that these girls have been settled in, that that is the standard wage in the district, and that the girls are not only having economic difficulty, but find cause for considerable irritation in suggestions that they are making large amounts of money at munitions, when, as a matter of fact, they can hardly pay for their own keep?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot be responsible for irresponsible suggestions made by people in the country about munitions wages. I have always refuted them in this House.