§ 29. Mrs. Middletonasked the Minister of Food how many temporary clerks have been engaged by his Department for the work of issuing new ration books; for what period they were engaged; and if he is satisfied that the terms of the engagement made clear that employment was on a daily or hourly basis and that no wages would be received for days lost, owing to food offices being closed for Easter holidays.
§ Dr. SummerskillThirteen thousand four hundred and thirty temporary clerks have been engaged for this work. While they are mostly employed on a day-to-day basis, they are given an indication of how long they will be needed. If it is intended to continue their employment after Easter they will be paid for the Easter holiday. These clerks are recruited through the Employment Exchanges and the conditions of employment are made clear to them.
§ Mrs. MiddletonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that assurance, may I ask whether the payment of those whose 2462 services will be further employed after Easter will apply to those areas where the offices close for one week at Easter time?
§ Dr. SummerskillI would like notice of that, but I think I can assure my hon. Friend that that is so.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether these temporary clerks have to tear out the clothing ration books from the new food ration books, as they are no longer required?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat has already been done.