§ 43. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if, in view of the shortage of crews for trawlers in Aberdeen fishing fleets, she will now permit the coming into operation of the new increased rates of wages; and if she will give figures and details of basic pay plus the minimum earnings based on days spent at sea, and also the proportional increases in holiday pay.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerMy Department has agreed to the implementation of the new agreement referred to. Under this, basic pay for a deck-hand will be increased by 1s. 9d. a day to a rate of £1 18s. 9d. Minimum earnings are calculated on the basic rate for days spent at sea plus the existing poundage rate. For a deck-hand, this would produce a minimum earnings level of £26 6s. 9d. for ten days at sea on a weekly-fortnightly vessel that is the inshore trawlers, and £28 18s. 11d. for ten days at sea on other vessels. Holiday pay will be increased from 3s. 1d. to 3s. 3d. for very day spent on articles.