§ Mr. NANNETTIasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the wages paid by the Board of Works to their labourers is not in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution of this House; whether he is aware that the wages paid in London to men employed on similar work is at the rate of 27s. per week, while those employed in Dublin only receive from 14s. to 16s. per week; and whether he will investigate the matter with a view to a readjustment of the wages paid to the labourers employed under the Board of Works in Ireland?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have nothing to add to the answers which I have previously given on this subject, which dealt fully with the matter.
§ Mr. NANNETTIMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when this question was gone into, sufficient consideration was given to the difference of the cost of living in Dublin compared with London, and whether he considers that 14s. to 16s. per week is a sufficient wage for these men?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI went very fully into this subject, and received a very full Report on the matter at the end of last Session. I am told that the wages paid are the standard wages paid for this kind of labour in that district.
§ Mr. NANNETTIDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that a labourer, required to be a learner in gardening and doing rough work of that character in Phœnix Park, should not be paid more? Phœnix Park is in the City of Dublin, where the wages paid by the corporation is 25s. per week, and by Messrs. Guinness 24s. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a fair wage is paid to the workmen in the City of Dublin?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEFrom inquiries I have made I find there are different standards of wages. In the Phœnix Park district, where these men live, I am told that the standard rate of wages is paid.