HC Deb 09 October 1945 vol 414 cc19-20
41. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Labour when it will be possible to lift the Essential Work Order from the cement works industry in Britain.

Mr. Isaacs

I would ask the hon. Member to await the general statement which I hope to make shortly on the subject of labour controls, but he will no doubt be aware of the importance of the cement industry in relation to the building programme.

Mr. Brown

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that, as the rates of pay in this industry are especially low, there is deep resentment about men being tied to badly paid jobs by the Essential Work Order; and will he give very careful attention to this case in his general review?

Mr. Isaacs

Certainly, but unfortunately that fact does not apply only to the cement industry.