§ 9. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what daily wages are paid to internees in the Isle of Man by farmers for whom they work.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe farmers pay in respect of internees who have volunteered to work on their farms a minimum of is a day, as well as bearing the cost of transport and insurance. In addition, they provide meals and make such extra payment by way of gratuity as may be arranged in each case.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerMay I ask if that is not exactly the same rate of payment as that paid to Italian prisoners of war? Under what authority does the Minister prevent these internees receiving the proper agricultural wages for the job.
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not know what the payment to Italian prisoners of war is, but it is the case that these are internees and the circumstances in their case are bound to be exceptional. There are various circumstances in connection with the matter that are exceptional, such as the hours worked and the transport that has to be provided. They are fed and there are various other circumstances which make it impossible to deal with this on the ordinary industrial basis. I am not sure that it would be desirable, either, to do so.