§ 17. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he is aware that the rates of pay paid to the royal parks attendants is £2 13s. 7d. per week; that the London County Council pay similar workmen in their employ £3 2s. 5d. per week; and if he can give any reasons why, in view of the fair wages clause, he has refused to increase the rates of pay to the royal park employés?
§ Captain HACKINGMy right hon. Friend is aware of the difference between the rates paid to the royal parks employés and those paid by the London County Council. The former rates were the subject of a submission to the Industrial Court in March of last year, and the Department is now paying rates awarded by the Court, which had before it the information regarding the rates paid by the London County Council.
§ 18. Mr. HAYESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the workmen employed in the royal parks and gardens are to be deprived of the usual half-day holiday in Christmas week; and whether, in view of the fact that the working hours are based on a weekly basis of 48 hours, which in- 2542 cludes the early cessation of work on Saturday and that Christmas Day is one of the recognised holidays, he will reconsider the decision, especially as it has been the practice for many years until last year for the workmen to cease work at mid-day on Christmas Eve?
§ Captain HACKINGMy right hon. Friend is unable to agree that the leave conditions of the royal parks employés should be increased as suggested. The Regulations of the Department state that leave with pay is granted on Christmas Day, and the fact that this year Christmas Day falls on a Saturday is not considered a justification for the granting of an additional half-day.