§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if it is correct that clerks of works in Ireland are dismissed at the finishing of any contract upon the construction of which they have been employed, and whether their rate of payment is upon the same scale as the corresponding classes in the employment of the English Office of Works, and, if not, by how much, and in what manner is the difference made; and whether it is the intention of the Board to make the same rate of payment to the Irish and English clerks?
§ *THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.I am informed that the practices both in England and Ireland is uniform, and that the engagement of a clerk of the works is a matter of contract. The rate of pay varies according to the importance of the work.
§ DR. TANNERIs it not the fact that clerks of works are much better paid in England than Ireland?
§ *MR. JACKSONI can only say that it depends upon the importance of the work. There are varying rates both in England and Ireland.
§ DR. TANNERWhat is the standard?
§ *MR. JACKSONI cannot say that there is any standard. It depends on the class of work, unless a contract has been entered into.
§ DR. TANNERThe salaries of English clerks of works as set forth in the Estimates are higher than in Ireland, and Irish men come over here to improve their position.
§ *MR. JACKSONThe emigration from Ireland to England in such cases is, I believe, an usual process.
§ DR. TANNERYes; in consequence of the coercion which exists in Ireland.