§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Messrs. Chivers and Sons, who are the contractors for the new military camp, London Road, 2675W Devizes, are sending invitation circulars to carpenters and joiners in the London district inviting individuals to attend for work and to bring other carpenters with them to work at IS. 6½d. per hour and specifically stating an 8o-hour week; and whether he will acquaint the contractors that this practice has not his approval?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am aware of the facts stated in the question. The rate of wages offered is that approved by the National Joint Council for the Building Industry for this camp, but I am informed that the figure of 80 hours is calculated as the number of hours for which pay is drawn, overtime being reckoned as time and a quarter, time and a half or double time, as the case may be. The actual working hours are, I understand, between 65 and 68 a week. The Government's decision on overtime was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister bf Labour in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Hicks) on 31st July last.