WAGE CUTS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1931, Page 5

WAGE CUTS

IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. A. BRITISH M.P. PROTESTS. [United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] LONDON, Feb. 26. A scene arose in the House of Commons over the proposed ten per cent cut in the civil servants’ cost of living bonus, it resulted in the suspension of Mr W. J. Brown (Labour), So’ifh Avrshiro. who on February 12th, criticised Mr Snowdeft’s 1 financial polMr Brown pointed out that three hundred thousand members of the civil service were affected by the cut, and he demanded that the reduction sTiould not apply to those who are earning below £4 a week.

Mr Brown remained standing while the Speaker asked him to sit down. Mr Snowden pointed out that this cut did not affect the basic wage, but only the bonus that was reducible with the cost of living index figures, in accordance with the plan operating for the past decade. Mr Brown was named for disobeying the Speaker. He was suspended by 298 votes to 17. The back bench Labourites forced a division oil the motion for suspension. Mr F. A. MacQuistin (Conservative) raised laughter by suggesting that members desiring suspension should h>ffom the Speaker in advance.

Mr Brown subsequently made a statement that he had no apology to offer, except to the Speaker, who had been uniformly courteous. He. was bound to protest against wage cuts, which had reduced wages as follows; From 45s in 1921 to 28s Id in 1930: and to 26s 5d in 1931. Other wages he said were as follows in the years 1921, 1930 and 1931 respectively:— 535, 335, and 31 s: 70s (id, 49s (id anil 46s Cd; 110 s sd. 70s 9d and 60s lid; £345 yearly, £226 yearly and £215 yearly; £590, £414, and £396.