§ 33. Mr. Harrisonasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the resultant loss of pay, he will reconsider his recent ruling that people working in the distribution trade, who are paid under Wages Councils orders, should be entitled to an average minimum weekly rate of pay, and reinstate the minimum weekly rate of pay.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. I am advised that the Wages Councils Act does not enable wages regulation orders to require wages to be paid at particular times and that, so long as the contract between the worker and the employer provides for the payment of not less than the statutory minimum remuneration, the provisions of the Act are satisfied. Any interpretation of the Act is of course subject to the authoritative ruling of the courts.
§ Mr. HarrisonWill my right hon. Friend modify the terms of the Act so as to make rulings and interpretations of the Act by the courts unnecessary, and so that each employer and employee shall know, before the practice actually commences, what is expected of him in this direction?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt would be much more helpful if my hon. Friend made clear to me the points upon which he wants an answer.