§ 53. Mr. WHITELEYasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the recent advance of 2s. per week granted by the Durham Agricultural Wages Board will apply to those who are engaged by the Forestry Commissioners whose present wages are based on agricultural rates of pay?
§ Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)The rate fixed by the Durham Agricultural Wages Committee is now 31s. per week. The minimum rate for Forestry Commission workers is 35s. per week.
§ Mr. WHITELEYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these forestry workers' wages are under signed agreement to move with the rise and fall of agricultural wages, and, surely, if there has been an increase of 2s., they are entitled under that agreement to receive that 2s., and will he make inquiries into the matter?
§ Sir G. COURTHOPEThe hon. Member is mistaken. The Forestry Commission minimum is a national minimum, and not a local one.