Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the wage of the man in charge of the cycle shelter at the Royal Gardens, Kew, has been reduced from 27s. to 21s. per week; if he is aware that this man is only employed seven and a half months in the year; and whether, in view of the high cost of living at Kew, he will increase this man's wage to the old rate of 27s. per week?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe wages paid to the cycle shelter attendant at Kew are the same as when he was appointed last year, namely, 21s. per week with uniform. His predecessor was paid at an exceptional rate of 27s. per week. The wages now paid are the same as in the ease of men employed for similar duties in the London parks, and I am not aware of any special circumstances which would justify an application to the Treasury for an increase. I will consider further the point raised in the second part of the question.