MINIMUM WAGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25173, 13 March 1943, Page 6

MINIMUM WAGES

UNIVERSAL SCHEME PRIME MINISTER'S AIM (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, Mar.. 12. “ I stand four-square for a minimum wage and a 52-week wage,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in th? House of Representatives to-day when speaking on the Ministry of Works \ Bill. “ I hope it will be possible before this Parliament ends,” ne added, “to bring down something in the way of a universal minimum wage Bill that will meet that position. The tradesman is as fully entitled to a 52-week ealary as the school teacher or public servant.” . , . . Replying to an interjection by Mr W. J. Poison (Oppn., Stratford), the Prime Minister said tie was glad to hear that the Opposition did not oppose these views. If members on both sides were in agreement, it should not be difficult to bring about the desired end. Defending the cost-plus system and the Defence Works Construction Order, the Prime Minister said there had been no alternative to their introduction. Urgent construction had to be done and there was no time to get estimates. It was only fair that men sent to jobs distant from their homes should get a fair wage. He denied there had been reckless expenditure, stating that the Minister in Charge of War Expenditure, Mr Adam Hamilton, had kept, a close and efficient watch on costs. There had been no colossal profits made by anyone, but, assuming there were, the excess profits tax would take care of that position. Builders had received 2i per cent, for overhead costs and 5 per cent, profit. If as the Leader of the Opposition suggested, the master schedule was too hign, then he would welcome the advice of members with building experience if they could show how changes could be made. The quantity surveyors had strict instructions to check closely every item, and he believed they were efficient. Mr W. Sullivan (Oppn., Bay of Plenty): They are efficient, but have too much to do.