Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that, although he issued a circular letter stating that workmen who worked for controlled firms, or firms doing work for the Munitions Department, on recognised holidays would, if their rules or custom provided for extra pay for so doing, be paid at such extra rate, the Caton Engineering Company, of Lancaster, refuse to pay the extra rate to the joiners employed by them who worked during the holiday of the district, though the working rules of the district distinctly state that time and a half shall be paid; and whether he will take steps to compel that firm to observe the conditions set forth in the circular letter he issued?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe circular to which my hon. Friend refers stated that in the absence of agreements or customs for the payment of special rates payment should be made in respect of two days, representing the Whitsun and August Bank Holidays, at the rate of time and a quarter. I am unable to say whether the working rules would constitute such an agreement or custom, but any difference on the point could be reported to the Board of Trade for settlement. I am informed, however, that the firm paid their workmen at the rate of time and a quarter in respect of four days, and I have received no complaint from their employés on the subject.