HC Deb 14 June 1917 vol 94 cc1114-5
18. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has considered the advisability of recommending a minimum rate of wages to workers in Ireland; if he is aware that Government workers are being paid a starvation wage and that private employers are encouraged to follow the lead given by the Government in this matter; and if he will see that the Government will show the private employers a good example?

Mr. DUKE

As to the general question I would refer to the answers given yesterday to questions by the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin. As to the particular cases the hon. Member appears to have in view, if he will supply me with particulars, inquiries will be made.

Mr. BYRNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have time and again asked questions about cases in which wages of from 16s. to 25s. per week are being paid to Government workers, and will he recommend the granting of a war-bonus?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot form any opinion as to the necessity for a war bonus for workers receiving 16s. per week until I know for what that wage is paid and what is the rate of wage paid in outside employment for the same kind of service.

Mr. BYRNE

That is the point I want altering. The Government should not give this lead to outside employers to pay miserable wages.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it a fact that there are-Government employés working for 16s. per week?

Mr. DUKE

I do not know that it is. I do not know to what cases the hon. Member refers, and I say that I must know for what the 16s. per week is paid.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increased cost of living in Ireland presses especially hard on the working classes, and that whereas the cost of living has increased 100 per cent, the average increase in wages does not exceed 25 per cent.?

Mr. DUKE

I know that increases of wages have taken place in most of the counties and that there have been very considerable increases in some counties. I cannot suggest that hardship does not occur to people who earn low wages, but I am afraid this is the case throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the housewife in Ireland has to pay 3s. per stone for Indian meal, which, before the War, was sold at 10d. and 9d. per stone?

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