§ Mr. H. MORRISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that the condition applied to sche[...]es executed by direct labour for the relief of unemployment by the Unemployment Grants Committee to the effect that so-called unskilled workmen employed on work which itself is normally regarded as unskilled shall be paid wages not more than 75 per cent. of the trade union or district rate has caused considerable friction and difficulty in the operation of schemes of work; and whether, seeing that it is contrary to the undertaking given by a majority of the Members of this and the previous Parliament to the effect that they would support the observance of trade union conditions of labour, he will take steps to secure the abolition of this vexatious proviso?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe condition applies only to men who are not accustomed to perform work of the nature involved, and is applicable for a probationary period of six months only. It has been generally accepted and not raised undue difficulty, and I do not think any modification is necessary.