§ Major Sir E. COATESasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that skilled working mechanics in controlled establishments have by a series of advances increased their incomes beyond the pre-war rates by over 50 per cent., whilst in many cases works managers, draughtsmen, and clerks have only received increases on their incomes of about 10 per cent.; and whether, under the circumstances, he will take the matter into his consideration, and issue an Order enacting that members of the staffs of controlled establishments in receipt of salaries of under £350 per annum, pre-war rate, be paid increased remuneration at the same rate of increase as the mechanics?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe Minister is aware that in some cases members of the staff in controlled establishments with salaries under £500 per annum have not received increases commensurate with the increased expenses they have to bear. There is no power to make the suggested Order in the case of men in receipt of salaries, but favourable consideration will be given to any proposals made by employers for increasing the remuneration of their staff on salaries not exceeding £500 per annum in proportion to the advances awarded to men working in the shops.