HC Deb 14 March 1946 vol 420 cc1283-4
58. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the rate of pay of cement workers in the Rugby area is 1s. 8½d. per hour as compared with the rate for the building industry of 2s. 0½d. per hour; and whether he will now remove the Essential Work Order from this industry or, alternatively, see that cement workers are not paid less than builders.

Mr. Isaacs

I am aware that the basic rate of pay for male general labourers in the cement industry in the Rugby area is less than the rate for labourers in the building industry in that area. The retention or removal of the Essential Work Order does not affect the wage rates in these industries which are a matter for settlement by joint negotiations between representatives of employers and workpeople.

Mr. Brown

Does not the Minister realise that but for the operation of the Essential Work Order, either the employers would lift this abominable rate of pay to something reasonable, or they would have no men left; and why does he continue to defend the extension of the Essential Work Order in these circumstances?

Mr. Isaacs

At the moment employers and workpeople are in negotiation, and I hope that they will be able to obtain satisfactory terms which will not lead to the situation which the hon. Member anticipates.

Mr. Brown

If they do not achieve that happy result and these rates continue, will the Minister then withdraw the Essential Work Order?

Mr. Isaacs

I think that the hon. Member had better wait and see.