§ 26. Mr. WRIGHTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Commissioners of Woods and Forests are employing men in the neighbourhood of Tintern, Monmouth, at 32s. per week, and that these men have to find their own tools and stop work, receiving no pay, in wet weather; and whether he will take steps to have these conditions improved?
§ Sir LEOLIN FORESTIER-WALKER for theI have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commissioners are employing men in the neighbourhood of Tintern at 32s. per week, which is the local agricultural wage, and the same rate as that paid to men engaged on similar work in the district, but the rates of pay range up to 38s. 6d. per week and whenever possible the men are paid at piece rates, which enables them to earn more than their fixed rate. The men find most of their own tools. Stoppages of work and pay owing to wet weather are inconsiderable, and it is not proposed to make any change in the conditions of employment.
§ Mr. MACKINDERAre we to understand that the minimum wage in the district is to be the maximum wage which the Government pay to these men?
§ Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKERNo. The hon. Member has simply to understand that we are paying the same rate as is paid to agricultural labourers, who, in many cases, are workers of higher skill.
§ Mr. MACKINDERWill the hon. Gentleman kindly answer my question. Have the Government decided that the minimum wage paid in the district is to be the maximum paid to these men?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Member aware that it is not the common practice of Government Departments to pay the same wage as is paid to agricultural labourers?
§ Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKERI cannot say what is the common practice of Government Departments. I am dealing only with forestry.