HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 c22
34. Mrs. Cullen

asked the Minister of Labour the average adult wage for manual workers at present being paid in Remploy factories in Scotland.

Mr. Whitelaw

The average earnings for adult men in Remploy factories in Great Britain are about £9 10s. a week and for women about £7. No separate figures are available for Scotland.

Mrs. Cullen

Is the Minister satisfied that the basic wage is ample in days of such a high cost of living?

Mr. Whitelaw

As I think the hon. Lady will be aware, Remploy's wage rates are negotiated in the usual way between the company and the trade unions. The last wage settlement was in June 1963. In these circumstances, it would not be proper for me to comment one way or the other on the hon. Lady's question.

Mr. Hoy

As the hon. Gentleman has given the figure for the whole of Great Britain, may I ask whether there is any difference in the wages paid to those employed in Remploy factories in Scotland and in England and Wales?

Mr. Whitelaw

The answer is that the starting rate in London is about 5s. a week more.