HC Deb 18 February 1947 vol 433 cc978-9
62. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Railway Clerks' Association is now demanding a 35-hour week with £1 increase in wages; and what would be the effect of granting this concession upon the purchasing power of the£.

Mr. Dalton

No such calculation can be made.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the great need for increased output, would the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the trade union leaders to the unpatriotic demand at the present time for a 35-hour week?

Mr. Dalton

We must not cross the wires. That is a matter primarily for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. At the moment, of course, it is a hypothetical question.

Mr. A. Edward Davies

Is the Minister aware that the unattractive conditions in the railway industry account for the large number of men leaving the service at a time when they are vitally necessary to the transport system and to the country?