HC Deb 13 February 1922 vol 150 cc619-20W
Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Minister of Health whether a local authority can pay the insurance contributions of men employed upon relief works without such action being regarded as a violation of the conditions regarding the rates of wages to be paid?

Sir A. MOND

I presume that the hon. Member has in mind the condition that not more than 75 per cent. of the local authority's recognised rate of wages may be paid to unskilled men for a probationary period of six months. It is not open to a local authority in such a case to pay the workers' insurance contributions in addition to the 75 per cent. of the ordinary rate of wages.

Mr. HANCOCK

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received communications from urban and rural district councils urging that the full standard district rate of payment for the class of labour employed should be paid on all public works started for the relief of un- employment; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

Sir A. MOND

I have received some such communications. The matter has been very fully considered by the Government, and it is not proposed to depart from the present practice, which is clearly reasonable.