§ 25. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Labour in how many cases wages fall below what is paid in unemployment benefit and National Assistance allowances; what information he has from his wages inspectors of the number of firms paying lower wages rates than the above benefits and allowances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawOne hundred and thirty-five industrial agreements and wages regulation orders fix a basic rate for some workers below the average level 423 of unemployment benefit and National Assistance allowances appropriate to an unemployed man with a wife and two children dependent on him. At least 97 per cent. of men engaged in manual work, however, are estimated to earn more than this. Information on the number of firms concerned is not available.
§ Mr. SpriggsWill the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to issue instructions to Ministry of Labour officers throughout the country not to submit unemployed workers for jobs where the wages offered are below subsistence standards according to the National Assistance levels? Will he make a very careful study of this matter and report back to the House on the number of firms actually paying starvation wages?
§ Mr. WhitelawWithout wishing to endorse what the hon. Gentleman has said, I shall certainly note his point about what our local officers do in offering particular jobs.