HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1242-3W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the existing rates of pay for all skilled and unskilled labour, male and female, juvenile and adult, respectively, for civilian employés engaged at the Central Ordnance Depot, Didcot; what allowances are-paid; how far workers are insured; whether there are any superannuation funds for the benefit of these employés; and to what extent will the permanent civilian staff, who have been employed for over 18 months before 1st September, be guaranteed continuation of employment on the conclusion of hostilities subject to their work and conduct being satisfactory?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The existing authorised rates of wages for workpeople at the Central Ordnance Depot, Didcot, are as follow:

Within the undermentioned range of rates according to duties
Male Employés. A week.
Skilled Tradesmen. 70s. 0d. (standard mechanics' rate) to 80s. 0d.
Non-skilled grades. 50s. 0d. (minimum rate for unskilled labourers) to 62s. 6d.
Mess staff 38s. 0d. to 46s. 0d. plus food.
Juveniles 12s. 0d. (at 14) to 19s. 0d. (at 16½).
Female Employees.
Adults 28s. 0d. to 31s. 0d.
Juveniles 10s. 0d. to 13s. 0. (at 15) to 26s. 0d. (at 20).

No allowances are paid, except in the case of a few employés who are required to wear uniform, e.g. messengers, who receive a monthly allowance for upkeep.

As regards insurance, the National Insurance (Health, Pensions and Unemployment) Acts apply. The Workmen's Compensation Acts, or the Government Scheme of Compensation framed under the Acts if the employé has opted there-for, provide for the payment of injury compensation.

There are no officially recognised superannuation funds, but the employés are eligible to be considered for gratuity under the Superannuation Acts. These Acts lay down the conditions for awards of gratuities after certain periods of service.

In regard to the last part of the question, it is not possible to give any guarantee of continued employment on the conclusion of hostilities, as the matter will necessarily depend upon the circumstances then obtaining.