§ Miss JEWSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether the recent reduction in the wages of women working in hospitals run by the Ministry of Pensions has been general; and, if so, on whose instructions?
Mr. MUIRNo general reduction has been made in the rates of pay of women employed in Ministry institutions; but in view of the fall in the cost of living since these rates were originally fixed it has been necessary to pass them under review, and where it has been found that the rate paid is in excess of the local rate for similar work or of the rates paid in other comparable institutions, a small reduction has been made. The staff affected is under 20 per cent. of the total number whose wages have been reconsidered. I am sending the hon. Member a comparative statement of the old and the new rates