§ 41. Mr. BRADYasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if he is aware that certain skilled mechanics in the engineering division of the Royal College of Science. Dublin, are receiving less wages than skilled mechanics working in contract shops in Dublin, although the Royal College of Science mechanics are obliged to give instruction in the various branches of the engineering trade; and whether he will take steps to secure for these men the wages paid in outside shops?
§ Mr. DUKEThe mechanics in the Royal College of Science are paid 44s. per week, which is higher than the rate paid to fitters in railway shops, but lower than that paid in contractors' shops. The hours 1264 of work for mechanics in the Royal College of Science are forty-five per week as compared with fifty-one in outside shops, and there are certain privileges to be taken into account in any comparison.
§ Mr. BRADYWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to ascertain from the Departmental chief of these men referred to in the question whether he thinks they ought to get an increase of wages, and if his reply be favourable, will the right hon. Gentleman make recommendations to the Treasury?