HC Deb 30 April 1956 vol 552 cc3-4W
33. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Minister of Health why he has forbidden Messrs. J. E. Hanger and Company Limited, of Roehampton, from reaching agreement with trades unions representing their workers about the rates of pay of such workers; and why he requires the unions to declare a dispute with the employers when, in fact, no dispute exists.

Mr. Turton

The statement made in the first part of the Question is not accurate. The fair wages clause in the contract between my Department and the company requires the contractor to pay the appropriate rates of wages established by negotiation or arbitration. I am aware, however, that, under the contract, increased wage rates cannot be reflected in the contract prices unless they are brought about by an industrial disputes tribunal or industrial court award and I have this requirement under consideration.