§ 23. Mr. Wattasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that the wages of Forestry Commission workers are based on the average weekly wage of agricultural workers and not on the statutory minimum wage, as at present.
§ Mr. MoyleThe pay of the Forestry Commission's forest workers is a matter for its industrial and trade council, where negotiations are at present in progress.
§ Mr. WattIs the Minister aware that many of these men, dedicated workers, are taking home wages below subsistence level? Does he realise that they have no chance to work overtime, and get no perquisites, as do agricultural workers? Is it not time that something was done quickly?
§ Mr. MoyleNo doubt the hon. Member's remarks will be noted. Since negotiations are in progress I should not like to say anything further.
§ Mr. John EllisMay I apologise to you, Mr. Speaker, and to the House in that I was not here for an earlier Question of mine? Will my hon. Friend consider the position of craftsmen, which is plainly unsatisfactory?
§ Mr. MoyleI shall certainly make sure that his views are made known to the Agricultural Wages Board. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the board is an independent body, over which my Department has no direct influence.