HC Deb 10 November 1953 vol 520 cc752-3
12. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he has studied the reports, details of which have been sent to him, which prove statistically that for a period of 40 years wages of highly-skilled engineers have worsened in comparison with other wages; and if he will appoint a committee to investigate and report.

Mr. Watkinson

I am not quite sure to which reports the hon. Member refers, but my right hon. and learned Friend and I try to keep ourselves informed of wage trends both generally and comparatively. Our studies have not led us to the conclusion that the appointment of a committee would serve a useful purpose.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does that mean that the Minister and the Ministry do not accept what is contained in the Question: that during the past 40 years there has been a worsening in the relative position of the iron and steel engineers? Is it the intention of the Ministry to let things drift, as they are doing generally?

Mr. Watkinson

We do not for a moment accept that there has not been a considerable worsening, if one examines basic wage rates. But to show the complicated nature of the position, if one examines earnings, there is quite a different story. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] This is hardly a subject for examination by question and answer, but if the hon. Member likes to raise it on some other occasion we shall be delighted to go further into it.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the Minister aware that his answer is a direct repudiation of the assurances, given in industry during the past 30 years, that it was wages that mattered, and that if the men continued to work harder there would be no doubt about their earnings increasing? Now, we are being brought to the position in industry, supported by the Ministry of Labour in accordance with the hon. Gentleman's answer, that it is the earnings that count, and, therefore, no increases must be given, because the men have been working harder and quicker?

Mr. Watkinson

That is completely untrue.

Mr. Ellis Smith

That is what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. Watkinson

I first said that nobody who knows what he is talking about would deny that the relative position of the skilled man vis-à-vis the unskilled man had worsened over the years; the facts show it and we all know it. None the less, if one examines this complicated matter carefully, it will be found that some skilled men—in fact, the majority of them—are managing by their skill to earn well over £9 a week—and jolly good luck to them. But that is a different facet to the problem. We must leave it in this Question and answer as saying that the relative position has worsened. It is regrettable, but I am sure that the hon. Member does not want the Government to legislate on this.