§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that women engaged at Schultzes, Redbridge, near Southampton, are only paid 18s. per week 72W for a week of forty-eight hours, which are-the recognised hours of the district; and whether, in view of Circular L 2, he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONAccording to our information, the hours of the district for men in engineering establishments are fifty-three or fifty-four, in which ease the rate for women would be in accordance with Circular L 2 in its present form. Inquiries, however, are being made as to the actual length of the district week.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions (1) if he is aware that the minimum wage of £1 per week for women munition workers proscribed in Circular L 2 cannot, in view of the increase in the cost of living in recent months, be considered adequate at the present time; if he will immediately authorise an advance of 5s. per week; and (2) if he is aware that a number of firms whose normal working week is of less duration than fifty-three hours are paying women munition workers at the rate of £1 per week for fifty-three hours; that such practice is a violation of the spirit of Clause 1 of Circular L 2 and the promise of the Government that not less than £1 per week would be paid; and if he will take action in cases which are brought to his notice?
§ Dr. ADDISONCircular L 2 is at present under consideration by the special arbitration tribunal appointed under Section 8 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916, and I hope to be able to make an announcement on the matter in the course of the next few days.