HC Deb 02 June 1954 vol 528 cc89-90W
Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to make a statement about the position of dilutee employees of his Department.

Mr. R. Bell

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to make a statement about the position of dilutees employed by the Air Ministry.

Mr. Ward

I am pleased to say that with the co-operation of the Amalgamated Engineering Union it has proved possible to introduce certain improvements for these employees who have given the Air Ministry such excellent service.

Details will be made known to those concerned in the usual way, but very briefly the improvements are as follows:

(a) Merit pay. It has been agreed that dilutees with over five years' service will be able to qualify for the rates of merit pay which can be earned by fully skilled workers.

(b) Establishment. A scheme is being introduced under which some 300 direct entrant dilutees with long service will be offered establishment.