Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the high rates of pay now secured by artisans in towns and cities, he will consider the case of people engaged in various forms of clerical work earning from £250 to £400 a year, especially the lower ranks of the Civil Service and local government earning from £3 to £5 per week and the numerous shop assistants throughout the country?
§ Sir K. WoodAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Government's policy is to leave the adjustment of wages and salaries to the operation of the normal negotiating machinery between employer and employed.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the inequalities in pay in many sections of 2150W the community, he will introduce a reasonable flat rate standard for the armaments industry, coupled with capacity bonuses in the form of War Saving Certificates, which could be cashed within graduated periods after the war?
§ Sir K. WoodIn reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question I would refer him to the discussion which took place in the House on 21st October and to the statement then made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. As regards his further suggestion, I could not agree to the issue of Savings Certificates subject to the restrictions proposed.