HC Deb 14 May 1931 vol 252 c1370
80. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he is now in a position to state whether the Commissioners are prepared to give to their workmen on their forestry estate in Weardale wages and conditions in keeping with demands expressed by the said workmen?

Mr. DENMAN (Second Church Estates Commissioner)

In accordance with the answer given to the hon. Member on 15th April, the Commissioners are not prepared to increase the wages of the adult workers in their Weardale woods. They have, however, raised the wages of the boys to a scale in harmony with the adult rates, and arrears have been paid from the 23rd November last to the date when the planting season and the employment ceased.

Mr. DAY

Can the hon. Member say what are the wages of these boys?

Mr. DENMAN

It varies according to their ages.