ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT, HARWELL

HC Deb 28 January 1949 vol 460 cc189-90W

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works the number of workpeople in their different categories now employed by the contractors engaged on work at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell; what are the rates of pay; what number of days a week are worked; and what are the overtime rates.

Mr. Key

The number of workpeople employed by contractors at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell is constantly changing, but there are at present about 700 building craftsmen, 800 general labourers, 270 electrical tradesmen, 280 mechanical tradesmen, and 500 miscellaneous workers. Their rates of pay (including overtime rates) are the standard rates agreed by the industry, and they normally work five-and-a-half days a week.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works, how many omnibuses are now employed in conveying workers to and from the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell; what is the weekly mileage; and what are the rates being paid to the owners of the buses and to the drivers.

Mr. Key

Twenty-one double-decker buses and 50 single-decker coaches are at present employed in conveying constructional workers to and from the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, running an average of 240 miles per vehicle per week. The owners are paid £6 10s. 0d. per day for a double-decker bus, and either £4 or £4 10s. 0d. for a single-decker coach according to capacity. The drivers are paid by the owners.

28. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works whether the progress of the construction work at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell is in accordance with the estimated schedule; whether any indication can be given as to the length of time these numbers of workers, conveyed from all over the district, are likely to continue to be employed on this site; and how many different contractors are engaged on this work.

Mr. Key

The progress of construction at the Atomic Energy Establishment at Harwell is, in general, in accordance with the estimated schedule. It is not yet praticable to say how long the workers, employed by 53 contractors, will be retained for this site.