HC Deb 04 April 1950 vol 473 cc992-3
34. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons due for call-up for National Service have accepted employment as chemists under the Ministry of Supply: what was their average annual remuneration; and how many persons have refused the offer of such employment.

Mr. Isaacs

Forty-two men who left the universities in 1949 and were liable for National Service accepted posts as chemists from the Ministry of Supply, and 24 refused such posts. The average initial salary offered was £312 per annum.

Mr. Prescott

Is the Minister aware that the basic salary offered is £230 per annum? Does he think it adequate remuneration for a Bachelor of Science to be paid less than £5 a week?

Mr. Isaacs

I am sorry that I cannot accept the suggestion. My advice is that the basic salary is £312.

Mr. Prescott

Is the Minister aware that I have a letter in my possession from his Ministry offering one of my constituents a basic salary of £230 per annum? Does he think this is adequate?

Mr. Isaacs

I was not aware of that, but if the hon. Member had drawn my attention to the letter earlier I could perhaps have helped him.