HC Deb 24 November 1909 vol 13 cc191-3
Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention had been drawn to a resolution passed at a public meeting in which it was alleged that the Board of Works for Ireland paid the gardeners and labourers in its employment at a rate of wages below the standard rate in the City of Dublin; whether that was the case; and, if so, whether immediate steps would be taken to rectify a state of things which was contrary to the declarations of the House of Commons made in two successive Parliaments?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

My attention had not been previously drawn to the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. The allegation made in the resolution is, I am informed, without foundation. As pointed out in my answer to a question put by the hon. Member for West Limerick on 15th March last, the rates of wages paid by the Board of Works, allowance being made for the privilege enjoyed by the men, are not only up to the market rate, but, in the majority of cases, in excess of it.

Mr. NANNETTI

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the rate of wages paid in the City of Dublin for this class of labourer?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

By the Board of Works?

Mr. NANNETTI

Yes.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

It varies from 16s. to about 21s. But we are not responsible for the rate of wages; we are responsible for paying the standard rate. Unfortunately, in this case, it is a very low rate indeed.

Mr. NANNETTI

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the standard rate of wages for labourers in the City of Dublin is 21s., while the wages paid to the labourers in question are from 14s. to 16s., and does he consider that a living wage in the City of Dublin?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The wages are not from 14s. to 16s., but from 16s. to 21s. I think it is a very low rate, unfortunately, but we cannot raise the standard rate of wages in this particular place.

Mr. NANNETTI

Are not the Board of Works bound by the Fair Wages Resolution? Will not the right hon. Gentleman see that the standard rate of wages is paid here the same as anywhere else?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My information is to the effect that the rate we pay is the standard rate.

Mr. NANNETTI

Do I understand that the Government have a right to make a standard rate of wages for one Department as against all the other labourers in the City of Dublin?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No. The question asked was whether the Board of Works pays the gardeners and labourers in its employment at a rate of wages below the standard rate in the City of Dublin. I am informed that the Board does not pay below the standard rate, and, as I have said two or three times, I regret that the standard rate is so low.

Mr. FLAVIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that 14s. is the standard rate for gardeners in Ireland?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have specifically denied that that is the standard rate.

Mr. NANNETTI

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the standard rate is 16s? Will he see that it is brought up to the 21s. which is paid by the Corporation and other public bodies?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am informed that that is not the standard rate.

Mr. NANNETTI

As a member of the Corporation I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is paid. Will he look into the matter further, and see whether it is possible to raise the wages from 16s. to something upon which the labourers of Ireland can live?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I quite agree that the rate is unduly low. I cannot go beyond that. I regret that, according to the information which reaches me, that is the standard rate. If the standard rate were higher I would gladly ask the Board of Works to pay it.