§ 22. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average rate of pay for general labourers employed by the Government of St. Helena; and what is the rate of relief for a married man with two or more children if unemployed.
Mr. Creech JonesThe present standard rate of pay for general labourers employed by the Government of St. Helena is 3s. 5d. per day; and the relief rate for an unemployed man with reasonably large family commitments is 2s. 8d. per diem for a week of five working days, with a minimum of 2s. 3d. per diem for a single man. The Governor has submitted proposals for increasing these rates, which are now under examination.
§ Mr. GammansIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that people can live on those amounts, considering the high cost of living, as almost all foodstuffs have to be imported? Has the Colonial Office any plans for doing something to increase the general level of prosperity of the island?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, the island has received a great deal of consideration in the Colonial Development and Welfare plans. Proposals for increasing the economic activities in the island have been endorsed, and I hope that as a result some means of employment will be found.
§ Mr. MellishIn view of the fact that the salaries of the men are so shockingly low what are the rates for women?