HC Deb 22 May 1963 vol 678 cc427-8
32. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Labour the present strength of the Wages Council Inspectorate; what percentage of establishments covered by Wages Councils was inspected in 1962; what percentage of those inspected was found to be falling below the statutory standards of wages or conditions; and whether he will increase the establishment of this Inspectorate so as to provide greater protection for the workers concerned.

Mr. Whitelaw

There are at present 144 inspectors who are engaged full time on visiting employers' premises. In 1962, 9.3 per cent. of the total number of establishments known to be covered by Wages Regulation Orders were visited by inspectors. The percentage of these establishments where some underpayment was discovered was 17.5 per cent. My right hon. Friend does not propose to increase the establishment of the Inspectorate.

Mr. Prentice

Is it not rather scandalous that, of the establishments that were inspected, 17.5 per cent. were paying below Wages Council rates, the Wages Council rates themselves being among the lowest in the country? Does not this tie up with the Parliamentary Secretary's reply just now to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens (Mr. Spriggs) about the number of people who are earning less than National Assistance levels? Surely, there should be more inspectors to see that these bad em- ployers are brought into line on these very low minimum rates of pay.

Mr. Whitelaw

One would certainly agree with the hon. Member that it is most unsatisfactory if any workers are paid less than the wage to which they are legally entitled. At the same time, although there has been a small reduction in the number of inspectors, I am assured that they do every bit as much inspection and that they achieve it by improved methods of working. This is, I am sure. what everybody would wish.

Mr. Prentice

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that a minority of employers are so bad that they will cheat in this respect unless they are inspected frequently? Is it not clear that the existing establishment of inspectors cannot inspect frequently? Will the hon. Gentleman look at the matter again from this point of view?

Mr. Whitelaw

I will certainly note what the hon. Member has said, but I have no evidence that extra inspection is needed.