HC Deb 21 October 1968 vol 770 cc863-4
10 and 11. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (I) why the men and women employed in Remploy factories are paid on an average £12 10s. and £9, respectively, which is below the national average; (2) why disabled men and women employed at Remploy factories do not receive equal wages, in view of the fact they are both disabled; and how many men and women so employed are receiving war or industrial injury pensions.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. Harold Walker)

Remploy wage rates are determined, as for industry in general, by consultation and negotiation between Remploy and the trade unions concerned. I am sure that this is the right way, and I do not think I ought to comment or intervene. I am afraid that no information is available on the incidence of war or industrial pensioners in Remploy's severely disabled labour force.

Dame Joan Vickers

In view of the continued rise in the cost of living and as these people are not able to get any kind of bonus, why cannot this be considered again? Will not the hon. Gentleman look into the subject of the differentiation between pay for men and pay for women? They are equally disabled, so why can they not have equal pay for equal work?

Mr. Walker

I have made it clear that this is a matter for negotiation between the two sides of industry, as in the rest of industry, for the trade unions, representing the work people, and the employing body. Bonuses are paid. They were introduced during 1963–64 and they have led to a substantial increase in earnings compared with what they were pre-1963–64. That is in no way to detract from what are obviously low average wage levels. The same is true of equal pay as of general negotiations—that this is a matter for the two sides, and I hope that they will take account of the guidance offered recently by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us on this side of the House welcome the change in policy to encourage the establishment of Remploy factories and the wonderful work which is done, and that we also welcome the fact that the Government have changed the disgraceful policy followed by right hon. Gentlemen opposite when they were in office?

Mr. Walker

I do not think that any party has a monopoly of virtue in this matter. We have certainly increased the the volume of Government assistance to Remploy and if the opportunity affords and there is a necessity for it, we shall look carefully and sympathetically at the prospect of doing so again in future. The current support for Remploy is £3,750,000, which is about £500 per worker per annum.