HC Deb 15 July 1912 vol 41 c41
91. Sir J. D. REES

asked what is the average rate of wages drawn by the licensed lightermen of the Port of London?

Mr. BUXTON

According to Returns received in connection with the General Wages Inquiry of 1906, the average earnings of the lightermen in London included in the Returns in the last pay week of September in that year were 48s. 6d. This average is based on Returns relating to 368 lightermen, irrespective of whether they worked full time or less or more than full time. At the date of the Return the men were working under Lord Brassey's Award of 1889, and their daily rate of wages was 6s. for 12 hours' work. A new agreement was made in August last, under which the agreed rate is 6s. for ten hours' work. Under both awards special rates are paid for overtime, night work, and Sunday duty. The number of hours lightermen are at work or in attendance in a week varies very considerably.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether, according to the records of the right hon. Gentleman's Department, 48s. 6d. is a high, a low, or a moderate wage?