HC Deb 01 February 1945 vol 407 cc1670-1
Major York (Ripon)

I beg to move, in page 13, line 22, after "If," insert: on receipt of an application by the employer or worker This is a very simple point and it may be covered in some other part of the Bill, which I have not been able to discover. My hon. Friends and I wish to protect the older workers in rural areas, and to allow the employer, where the man is perhaps not very good with his pen, to make application to the wages council, in writing, for a permit, authorising his employment at a lower rate than the statutory minimum wage. The Amendment also makes clear that in those areas which are far from the town where a wages council is likely to sit, the application can be made in writing, either by the employer or by the worker. This power may not be necessary for urban dwellers, but. I think it will be necessary for rural dwellers, particularly in winter weather.

Mr. Bevin

As I understand it, the effect of the Amendment is to enable an application for a permit to be made either by a worker or by his employer, if he is already employed. Under the scheme, as at present drafted, there is no provision for an application to be made, either by the employer or by the worker. All that is required is that the wages council must be satisfied as to the circumstances. I think there is a case for such provision; and, while I cannot accept the words, I will accept the principle, and try to find the right words between now and the Report stage.

Major York

In view of that satisfactory answer by my right hon. Friend, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.