§ 45. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the disparity in wages and salaries now received by employees in the nationalised industries as compared with the remuneration received when these industries or services were privately owned; and if he will set up an inquiry into the situation.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The answer to the first part of the Question is that there have been variations in wages and salaries in industry generally in the period during which certain industries have been nationalised. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir." In accordance with the policy of the Government, the determination of terms and conditions of employment is the responsibility of the two sides of the industry concerned.
§ Sir T. MooreCan the Prime Minister explain why a head waiter in a nationalised railway hotel with 25 years' service and 15 years' service in that grade has his pay reduced from £10 a week to £3 17s. 6d. a week without any warning whatsoever, and why a hospital secretary across the road has his pay increased from £400 a year to £1,250 a year under nationalisation? The thing is inconsistent.
§ The Prime MinisterLike the head waiter, I have had no warning of this.