§ 21. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what percentage of the industrial 14 employees of the Forestry Commission are established; and whether there are any unestablished men with more than 10 years' service.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonApproximately 30 per cent. of the Commission's industrial staff are established. There are 1,712 unestablished industrial staff with more than 10 years' service.
§ Mr. DigbyAre not these figures rather disappointing? Is not this perhaps one of the reasons for the undue turnover in the labour force of the Commission despite the fact that the wage packet is now better with increased piece-work?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonWithout further thought, I do not altogether accept the hon. Member's assumption. The fact is that establishment does not appeal to every person in the Commission. I expect that the hon. Member knows from his experience that the terms of contract of those who are established are such that they may be sent away on work, and this does not appeal to everyone. These people get a gratuity at the end of their service even if they are unestablished, whereas if they are established their service ranks for pension rights. Any employee can at any time apply to become established. The Forestry Commission from time to time invites applications, and 300 are now being considered. There is, therefore, no bar against anybody who applies and is suitable being becoming established.
§ Mr. SpeakerI hope that the Minister will note what I have said about long answers.