HC Deb 10 July 1918 vol 108 cc310-1
37. Colonel DU PRE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the rate of wages paid to the labourers on the work at Cippenham, Slough; how this rate compares with local agricultural wages; and what arrangements have been made to preserve local labour for the farmers and residents?

Mr. FORSTER

Men sent from London are paid the London rates of wages, and local labour receive the local rates. These are 11¾d. and 11d. per hour respectively. In addition, they receive the 12½ per cent. increase. I understand that the local rate for agricultural labourers is 30s. per week. As regards the last part of the question, the names of men employed on agricultural work have been obtained and these are not engaged.

Brigadier-General McCALMONT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this contract is paid in proportion to the number of labourers employed and not according to the amount of work done?

Mr. FORSTER

I should like notice of that.

Sir R. COOPER

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the workmen engaged on this property engaged in mowing down the green corn crops?

Mr. FORSTER

No.

Sir R. COOPER

They are at it!

38. Captain CARR-GOMM

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that no suitable gravel has been found on the corn-producing land at Cippenham, in South Bucks, recently taken in order to make a motor repair depot, and that, in consequence of this, gravel is now being brought from Twyford, which is about 14 miles from Cippenham; whether he is aware of the fact that the gravel at Cippenham was stated to be one of the reasons for selecting this site; and whether, therefore, it is still proposed to carry on the work there?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The gravel at Cippenham is suitable, and none has been brought from Twyford. The remaining parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question do not, therefore, arise.

General McCALMONT

Is it not the fact that the gravel is only suitable after treatment, and that expensive plant must be put up in order to treat it and make it useful?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have no information as to that, but I am informed that gravel has not been taken from anywhere else.