§ Mr. Brookeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what are the present daily hours approved by the Government for work on war-damage repairs in London; and what are the authorised wage rates for craftsmen and labourers on week-days and Sundays, respectively.
§ Mr. HicksThe hours at present being worked by building trade operatives employed on first-aid repairs in London are 8½ hours per day on Monday to Friday, 4 hours on Saturday, and 8 hours on Sunday, making a total of 54½ hours per week. The standard rates of wages laid down by the National Joint Council for the Building Industry are 2s. 2½d. an hour for craftsmen and Is. 8¾d. an hour for labourers, for the Inner London area (within 12 miles of Charing Cross) and 2s. 2d. an hour and 1s. 8½d. an hour respectively in the Outer London area (within 12–15 miles of Charing Cross). Under the working rules of the industry overtime rates are payable after the normal leaving-off time on Monday to Saturday and for work on Sunday.
Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that work on bomb-damaged sites is often delayed through the number of imported workmen exceeding the catering facilities near the sites; 1976W and will he consult Sir Trustram Eve's organisation with a view to increasing the canteen services.
§ Mr. McCorquodaleNo substantial cause of complaint in this regard has come to my right hon. Friend's notice, but he is looking into the question as to whether any additional catering facilities are needed during the approaching winter months. Perhaps my hon. Friend would let me have particulars of any case he has in mind.