§ MR. CLAUDE HAYI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether gardeners employed in the Royal Gardens, Kew, enter the service at Kew as skilled workmen; whether they are paid less than unskilled workmen at Kew; whether the rate of sick pay has recently been reduced by one-half; what is the percentage of these gardeners who obtain appointments in the Colonies and in India; and whether His Majesty's Government have laid down the 23s. minimum rate for unskilled Government labourers in the London district.
§ THE TREASURER OF THE HOUSEHOLD (Sir EDWARD STRACHEY,) Somerset, S.The young gardeners at Kew to whom, as I understand, the hon. Member refers, must have had four years training in good gardens or nurseries before their selection. They are engaged for a definite and limited period of two years and they enjoy various privileges during their period of employment, and are allowed a subsistence allowance of 21s. a week, The labourers at Kew are paid from 23s. to 24s. a week. The rate of sick pay of all the workmen at Kew was revised last year in order to conform with the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. About 22 per cent. of the young gardeners obtain appointments in the Colonies and India. Perhaps the hon. Member will address his concluding inquiry to my hon. friend the Secretary to the Treasury.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the facts he has given are inaccurate?
§ [No Answer was returned.]