77. Mr. F. HALLasked how many employes of the messenger class are employed under the War Office; and how many of these are paid at the rate of 21s. a week or less?
Mr. BAKERThere are 132 established and temporary messengers and labourers. Of these fifty-three receive wages of over 21s. a week and seventy-nine of 21s. a week. Of the latter sixteen are in receipt of additional wages for special duties. There are also seventy-two boy messengers who receive wages of less than 21s. a week.
Mr. F. HALLDoes the hon. Gentleman consider 21s. a reasonable wage for an adult, and does this state of affairs represent the attitude of the Government as a model employer of labour?
Mr. BAKERIt depends on the duties that these men perform. I rather think that a good many of them are in receipt of pensions, too.
Mr. F. HALLWould the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my question: Does he consider 21s. a reasonable wage?