HC Deb 18 October 1944 vol 403 cc2352-3
12. Mr. Spearman

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that male cooks employed by the R.A.F. in a Scar- borough hotel earn less than unskilled labour owing to the unfavourable conditions of pay for overtime; and if he will take steps to put this right.

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

The conditions of service of civilian male mess grades employed by the Air Ministry are now under discussion with the trade unions concerned. I hope that as a result the earnings of these men will be improved.

Mr. Spearman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this matter has been considered with the trades unions for four months now? If it takes his Department such a long time to deal with that body, is there any need to hold up the increase in pay on that account?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir. My Department is not alone in dealing with this: it is being dealt with by the Whitley Council procedure, representing all the Departments negotiating with the trade unions.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will the increased wage date back to the beginning of the negotiations?

Sir A. Sinclair

I would be very willing to consider that point when I get the result of the negotiations.

Mr. G. Griffiths

That is what generally happens with trade unions, so I want the right hon. Gentleman to act up to the practice.