§ 104. Mr. H. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what is the rate of wages per hoar paid by the Joint Road Board Committee to unskilled labourers in connection with the national shipyards at Portbury, Chepstow, and Beachley; whether such rate exceeds the rate paid to men engaged in agriculture; is he aware that in consequence men have left the farms and that it is now impossible for farmers to procure essential labour within a radius of eight miles of Chepstow; and what is the rate of wages per week paid to Government chauffeurs and to youths under nineteen years of age employed at the aforesaid shipyards?
Colonel WILSONI understand that the rate paid by the Joint Road Board Committee is 1s. 3d. per hour for all unskilled labour. This will be increased to 1s. 4½d. per hour as from 1st June in accordance with the new award of the Conciliation Board. I have no information as to the local agricultural rate or as to the alleged depletion of agricultural labour in the district, but would suggest that my hon. Friend should address an inquiry to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on this matter. The wages paid to chauffeurs (male) is £5 per week, including all overtime; chauffeurs (female), £2 10s. per week, including all overtime—plus 5s. per week clothing allowance. Youths under nineteen years of age receive 10d. per hour.