§ 40. Mr. BARCLAY-HARVEYasked the hon. and gallant Member for Eye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he is aware of the low rates of wages paid to the forestry workers at Drumtochty; and if, in view of the fact that they are only guaranteed work for half the year and that, owing to local conditions, their other means of obtaining an income are very limited, he will consider the possibility of increasing their pay?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe rates of wages paid to the forestry workers at Drumtochty are considered to be satisfactory and no increase is proposed. Those forest workers to whom tenancies of holdings are granted by the Forestry Commission are guaranteed not less than 150 days work annually, but most of the forest workers are employed more than half the year. No complaints have been received from the workers at Drumtochty.
§ Mr. BARCLAY-HARVEYWhat is the rate of wages paid, and how many people get more than 150 days work in the year?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe average weekly wages paid during the last financial year were 39s. per week which is 2s. more than the local weekly rate. I am informed that the forest workers on holdings can have work for practically the whole of the 12 months in the forest if they so desire.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to understand that the wages in any district are calculated on the wages existing in the district, and that they vary accordingly?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEI do not say that they vary accordingly, but certainly local wages would be taken into account.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the many requests made by forestry workers in all parts of Great Britain for increases in wages?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPENo.