HC Deb 25 February 1930 vol 235 c2039
37. Mr. FRANK OWEN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if the Forestry Commissioners intend to raise the wages of forestry workers above the minimum now paid to the workers privately employed by farmers?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)

The whole question of the wages and conditions of service of the Forestry Commission's workers is under consideration.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Will the Forestry Commissioners act as model employers?

Mr. SMITH

I am awaiting their decision. They have not finally examined the question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland the Forestry Commissioners are paying shocking wages to the people in their employ?

Major OWEN

Is it proposed by the Forestry Commission that the men employed by them shall be regarded as being employed in an insured occupation?

Mr. SMITH

That matter is determined by Act of Parliament which is outside our jurisdiction.

Mr. F. OWEN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present moment forestry workers are paid, many of them, about 31s. per week, that they have to provide all their tools which amount to about 40s. or 50s., and that when they lose time in the woods it is not made up to them?

Mr. SPEAKER

Those seem to be matters for a separate question.

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