§ 5. Lieut.-Commander Baldockasked the Secretary of State for War how many male civilians are employed at the Market Harborough Vehicle Reception Depot camp; what are their average hourly rates; how many vehicles are completed per week; and at what average cost.
§ Mr. WyattTwo hundred and seventy-one male civilians are employed at this Depot. Their average rate of pay is 2s. 10½d. an hour. The Depot receives and issues vehicles which are being rebuilt under Ministry of Supply arrangements. The average number of vehicles received, maintained and issued in the course of a week is 1,010. The average cost of each vehicle dealt with works out at £1 17s. 3d.
§ Lieut.-Commander BaldockIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable disquiet in the neighbourhood about this employment of agricultural and other unskilled labour on jobs for which it is 2119 generally felt it is not suited? Is he further aware that there is a general belief among people in the surrounding district that this labour is being inefficiently employed?
§ Mr. WyattI think the answer to that is that the average cost per vehicle of £1 17s. 3d. is a great deal less than it might be if they were handled on an inefficient basis.