HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc548-50
14. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Labour the increase in average wage rates and earnings since 1939 for all workers and for railwaymen.

Mr. Watkinson

It is estimated that at the end of November, 1953, the average level of full-time weekly rates of wages of adult male manual workers was between 121 and 124 per cent. higher than at the beginning of September, 1939, for the principal industries and services taken as a whole. For adult railwaymen in the conciliation grades of British Railways it is estimated that average wage rates rose between 126 and 127 per cent. over the same period.

Average earnings relating to April, 1953, show that for adult males employed in industry generally (but not including the railway service) there was an increase of 169 per cent. since October, 1938. For adult railwaymen in the conciliation grades the average weekly earnings rose by about 154 per cent. between March, 1939, and March, 1953.

Mr. Callaghan

In the new rates that yesterday's agreement proposes should be worked out is contained the phrase, "Worked out after consultation with the Government." Does that mean that there is to be an increase in fares or a subsidy given by the Government?

Mr. Watkinson

That question does not arise out of the one on the Order Paper.

Mr. Callaghan

As the British Transport Commission has been given the duty of paying its way and has said that it cannot do so, and as the Minister of Labour has been the Minister who has been in charge of those negotiations, will not the Parliamentary Secretary be a little more forthcoming and tell us whether this phrase means anything at all, because upon it the agreement hinges?

Mr. Watkinson

To the agreement concluded yesterday, which was reached after long and very difficult negotiations, we owe a very great deal to the skill and patience of my right hon. and learned Friend. I think that the whole House welcomed that agreement and I thought that the whole House now wanted the railways and the British Transport Commission to get on and do their job of increasing the efficiency of the railways. Although the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question does not arise out of the Question on the Order Paper, perhaps I might say that I think that that is the main task in front of us and not going into all these details.

Mr. Callaghan

If any consideration of a subsidy arises to be paid by the taxpayer, will the Minister represent to the Government that they should suspend the operation of the Transport Act, 1953, and so keep £7 million in the hands of the public?

Miss Ward

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind, as I am sure he will, that on this side of the House we are just as interested in paying good wages to railway workers and to every other industrial worker as are hon. Gentlemen opposite? Is it not rather a pity that when I asked a Question about comparative wages and average earnings a fortnight ago I was referred to the Ministry of Labour Gazette, and that an opening has now been given to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) to make party capital out of what we think is a very satisfactory piece of work on the part of the Ministry of Labour.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot debate the matter now.

Mr. Callaghan

Suspend the operation of the Transport Act.