HC Deb 14 July 1910 vol 19 cc602-3
Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Customs outport watchers on the Clyde are paid lower rates than those on the Thames doing similar work; and, if so, when he proposes to rectify this inequality by advancing the wages of the former?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

The position is that the wages of Customs watchers in London are 24s. a week, while all other ports (including the Clyde ports) the wages are 21s. a week; but one-fourth of the total number of watchers at such ports are allowed to rise by 1s. a week per annum to 24s. a week. I am not prepared to propose any change in the amount of pay of watchers on the Clyde, who cannot be considered apart from the whole Service.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why these men on the Clyde are paid less than the men on the Thames?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I think it is generally known that the expenses of living in London are greater than in any other town.