§ Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour to what extent his officers who enforce statutory wages orders are now working from an up-to-date list of firms affected by these orders; and what steps have been taken to bring it up to date.
§ Mr. HareThe list of establishments is kept under continuous review on the basis of information obtained from employers, local offices of the Ministry, the Factory Inspectorate and checks carried out by wages inspectors in the course of their journeys. I am satisfied in general that the present list is adequate for enforcing Wages Regulation Orders.
§ Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of premises affected by wages council orders was inspected by his officers in 1959, 1960 and 1961, respectively; and what percentage of the firms inspected during each of these years were found to be underpaying their workers.
§ Mr. HareThe percentage of establishments known to be affected by Wages112W Regulation Orders visited by wages inspectors in 1959 was 9.8; in 1960, 9.6; and in 1961, 8.9. The percentages of these establishments where some underpayment was discovered were respectively 15.3, 15.8 and 16.0. Investigations following complaints showed a considerably higher proportion of underpayments than routine visits.
§ Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Labour how many inspectors are now engaged in enforcing wages council orders; how many were employed in 1957; and whether he proposes to in-crease the present number.
§ Mr. HareIn 1957, there were 165, and there are now 152 wages inspectors engaged full-time on visiting employers premises. In addition, 44 officers are now engaged in the regions and at head-quarters on administrative and advisory work on the enforcement of Wages Regulation Orders. I do not propose to appoint more wages inspectors.