§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that women cleaners in Government offices, many of whom are widows with children to maintain, are now being paid a wage of 28s. weekly, and that an immediate reduction is now being threatened; and whether he will take steps to prevent any reduction that may be contemplated and to increase the present scale of wages to enable these women to maintain themselves and their children in reasonable comfort?
§ Captain KING:The wages of charwomen in London offices consist of a basic rate fixed by agreement with representatives of the women concerned and a bonus, varying with the cost of living, fixed by agreement of the Civil Service National Whitley Council. The inclusive rate in operation from the 1st March is 27s. 11d. per week, reduced under the cost of living 59W agreement from 28s. 8d. for a minimum attendance of 30 hours a week. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the latter part of the question.