HC Deb 19 April 1920 vol 128 cc38-9
59. Mr. ALFRED DAVIES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that several communications have been sent to the Board by the employés in the Royal Gardens, Kew, regarding the inadequacy of the present wage and bonus to meet the increased cost of living; whether he is aware that the wages, including bonus, at the present time of stokers amount only to £3 9s. 5d., constables £2 18s. 5d., night watchmen £3 9s., labourers £2 15s. with an increase of 1s. after five years, and carters £2 16s. with an increase of 1s. after five years; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living since the award of the last bonus in November, he will recommend an all-round increase of £1 per week?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I am aware of the facts stated in the first two parts of the question. In answer to the last part, all the officials mentioned in the question are at present obtaining the maximum bonus which has been granted to civil servants by the Civil Service Arbitration Board, and they will participate in any further bonuses which may be granted.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government is pledged right up to the hilt to pay trade union rates of wages, according to the Resolution of the House, and are these rates of wages in accordance with the proper rates of pay?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

This is really a question for the Government as a whole, and we cannot in one Department go outside the awards granted by the Civil Service Arbitration Board.

60. Mr. SHORT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in the establishment of a 48-hour week for the employés at Kew Gardens, those who work most hours, namely, the stokers, 61½ hours per week, the constabulary, 59½ hours per week, and the night watchmen, 60 hours per week, have been excluded from participation; and whether he will give instructions for the concession to be applied to all grades?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The constabulary at Kew were included in the concession of a 48-hours' week on 8th June, 1919. It has now been settled that the stokers and night watchmen shall participate in this arrangement, but the date from which this arrangement shall come into force is at present under consideration.