§ 9. Sir Robert Youngasked the Secretary of State for Air how many civilian women are employed by the R.A.F. at Burtonwood, Lancashire, as bat women; how many as cleaners; what are the conditions respecting each class of workers in relation to hours of work, wages per week and overtime for Sundays, and whether the expenses so incurred are included in the Air Estimates.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerFifteen civilian batwomen and four women cleaners are employed by the R.A.F. at Burtonwood. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will send him in writing the details of their hours and wages. Thanks to my hon. Friend's Question, it has been discovered that the women cleaners were not receiving an increase of twopence an hour, which was granted a year ago. Immediate steps have been taken to pay the arrears. The wages of civilian batwomen and cleaners are a charge against the Air Ministry Vote.
§ Sir R. YoungWill the right hon. Gentleman see that more productive work is found for some of these 15 batwomen?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will inquire into that.
§ Sir G. FoxWill the Minister say how many officers these 15 batwomen look after?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a Question.