§ Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that Perilli's Cable Company, Southampton, is a controlled firm under the Munitions of War Act; that this firm employs about 200 women and girls; that the rate of wages paid by them to women of eighteen years of age and upwards is 2d. per hour during the first three months of employment, 2½d. during the second three months, and 2¾d. after the completion of a year's service, with no further advance; that the average weekly wage of the women employed is 10s. 10d., rising to 13s. in the case of those working overtime; whether the payment of such rates in a controlled establishment has the sanction of his Department; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take for dealing with them?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe facts are substantially as stated by my hon. Friend. The rates as minima were fixed in February of this year by an award, but, in view of the changed conditions, the matter is being taken up by this Department. It is further understood that applications for leaving certificates have been lodged with the local munitions tribunal. The question of applying Order 447 to all establishments of this class is now under consideration, and, pending a decision, the women can apply for arbitration, which, in fact, is the most direct course.