§ 56. Sir P. HURDasked the Minister of Labour the average weekly wages and hours of work, at the present time and in 1913, both of milk roundsmen in London and of cowmen employed on farms producing milk for the London market?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)At the present time the minimum rate fixed under the Trade Boards Acts for milk roundsmen in London is 56s. in respect of a week of 48 hours. The minimum rates under the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act in the areas from which the London milk supply is mainly drawn range, in the case of ordinary agricultural workers, from 28s. to 34s. for a week varying from 48 to 56 hours; most cowmen work longer hours than ordinary workers and thus become entitled to overtime payments. The information available does not permit of the desired comparison with 1913, nor is information available as to average wages actually paid or hours worked at the present time.
§ Sir P. HURDDoes it not strike the Government that there is an astonishing difference in the rates of payment?