HC Deb 19 April 1910 vol 16 cc1881-2
Mr. NANNETTI

asked what are the numbers of the Royal Engineers employed on the Ordnance Survey of Ireland; what is their Ordnance Survey service; what is the total cost of each to the Government service; and whether these men are in receipt of their Army pay in addition to that received from the Ordnance service?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Edward Strachey)

There were 162 Royal Engineers employed on the Ordnance Survey of Ireland on the 1st instant. Their Survey service varies from about six months to upwards of twenty years. Their pay and allowances vary from 2s. 6d. to 10s. 9d. a day, and are borne wholly on the Survey Vote with the exception of some small allowances, e.g., clothing allowance, which are defrayed from Army Votes. No Army pay in addition to that which they receive from the Survey Vote is paid to these men while they are employed on Survey work.

Mr. NANNETTI

May I ask the hon. Gentleman-whether it is the fact that these men have no skilled training and yet are retained in the service, though trained civilians with long service are being dismissed, and, if so, will he see that the men with long service are retained?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I think they have training.

Mr. NANNETTI

Are these men skilled in their work, and is it fair to dismiss skilled civilians for the purpose of retaining these men, and thus throw the skilled civilians on the unemployed labour market?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Yes. I assume that these men are skilled at the work.

Mr. NANNETTI

With six months' training?

Mr. KETTLE

How does it come about that the English Board of Agriculture is responsible for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland? Is that system considered satisfactory? What is the connection between war and agriculture?

Sir E. STRACHEY

It is under the Act of Parliament.

Mr. KETTLE

Can the hon. Gentleman say under what Act?