§ Sir R. Glynasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the rates of pay for civilian employés in all Service establishments; what is the scale for new entry unskilled workers in these establishments; how do these rates compare with those paid under trade union rules, 2125W when comparable; and what scheme is there for compensation to dependants in the event of casualties resulting from enemy action?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe Service Departments determine rates of pay in accordance with the principles of the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons of 10th March, 1909, which provides for the payment of rates of wages not less favourable than those payable in the district by good employers for comparable labour. New entry unskilled workers receive the authorised rate, as fixed on this basis, in issue at the particular establishment at which they are employed. I regret that detailed figures could only be obtained by means of a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.
With regard to the third part of the question, where there is a trade union rate recognised and paid by good employers this would be accepted as a fair wage, but where there is no such rate the general standard of wages ruling in the district is the basis upon which the rates are fixed. Under the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, the Minister of Pensions has made a scheme providing for the payment of temporary allowances and pensions to gainfully occupied members of the civilian population who may be injured, and to the dependants of such persons who may be killed by war like operations in the United Kingdom in time of war.