Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 April 1947.
Mr Robert Young
, Newton
12:00,
2 April 1947
asked the Secretary of State for Air how many civilian women are employed by the R.A.F. at Burtonwood, Lancashire, as bat women; how many as cleaners; what are the conditions respecting each class of workers in relation to hours of work, wages per week and overtime for Sundays, and whether the expenses so incurred are included in the Air Estimates.
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
Fifteen civilian batwomen and four women cleaners are employed by the R.A.F. at Burtonwood. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will send him in writing the details of their hours and wages. Thanks to my hon. Friend's Question, it has been discovered that the women cleaners were not receiving an increase of twopence an hour, which was granted a year ago. Immediate steps have been taken to pay the arrears. The wages of civilian batwomen and cleaners are a charge against the Air Ministry Vote.
Mr Robert Young
, Newton
Will the right hon. Gentleman see that more productive work is found for some of these 15 batwomen?
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
I will inquire into that.
Sir Gifford Fox
, Henley
Will the Minister say how many officers these 15 batwomen look after?
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
Yes, if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a Question.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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