HC Deb 05 October 1944 vol 403 cc1109-10
18. Mrs. Cazalet Keir

asked the Minister of Labour whether Recommendation 9, embodying the principle of the rate for the job, was supported by vote at the recent I.L.O. Conference by the British delegates, the employers' delegate and the workers' delegate.

Mr. Bevin

The paragraphs referred to by the hon. Member form part of the recommendation concerning employment organisation in the transition from war to peace. On the final record vote at the Conference, the British Government, employers' and workers' delegates voted for this recommendation.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Is it too much to ask that the Government should apply here what they advocate abroad?

Mr. Bevin

We did not advocate it, we just voted for it.

Miss Ward

Was there any special discussion on the point?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question.

19. Mrs. Cazalet Keir

asked the Minister of Labour what trades unions have adopted the principle of the same rate of pay for men and women; and how many agreements have been reached and implemented between employers and trades unions.

Mr. Bevin

There are numerous collective agreements covering a wide range of industrial employment which provide that women who are replacing men without any additional supervision or assistance shall be paid—normally after a probationary period—the man's rate for the job. I am not able however to give a comprehensive list of the unions or agreements concerned.

Mr. W. J. Brown

May I ask that the same principle should immediately be applied to temporary staff of the Civil Service, who are put on permanent jobs?