HC Deb 19 February 1931 vol 248 cc1457-8
93. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, how many men were employed on their estates at Stanhope, in the county of Durham, and the wages paid?

Mr. DENMAN (Second Church Estates Commissioner)

Four men are permanently employed at daily wage rates of 9s. 6d. for one, and 7s. for each of the other three, and a fifth, no longer able-bodied, receives 5s. per day. There are three temporary employés on seasonal work each at a wage of 7s. per day.

Mr. LAWTHER

Can my hon. Friend say whether or not the Ecclesiastical Commissioners agree that this is a wage commensurate with their high ideals?

Mr. DENMAN

It is commensurate with the wages paid by the best employers in the locality.

94. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he will state the wages that have been and are being paid to boys at 14 years of age, and the wages for each year up to the age of 21 on their estates in Durham County?

Mr. DENMAN

The only boys directly employed by the Commissioners are on temporary engagements for light work in connection with replanting in the woods and their daily wages ate from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d.

Mr. LAWTHER

Can my hon. Friend say whether or not these wages are in keeping with the worst paid wages?