§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many Falkland islanders are employed by his Department in the Falkland Islands; in what capacity; and how rates of pay compare with the equivalent grade of British personnel with whom they are working.
§ Sir George YoungNone.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there are administrative instructions that prevent any Falkland islander from being employed in projects such as the installation at Mount Pleasant airport; what is the total work force on that project; how many are islanders; what rates of pay are current; and if islanders are paid at the same rate as non-islanders.
§ Sir George YoungThere are no instructions preventing the employment of Falkland islanders on PSA work at Mount Pleasant or elsewhere. However, the Falkland Islands Government have made it clear that the local labour force is so limited that any significant recruitment by PSA contractors could cripple Government services. PSA has therefore instructed its contractors to consult with the Falkland Islands Government before recruiting local workers. At present the Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone Construction joint venture is employing one Falkland islander on the Mount Pleasant airfield project. There are currently 1,724 other contractors' employees engaged on the project. In accordance with UK Government policy, these workers have been recruited in the United Kingdom. Rates of pay are a matter between the contractor and his employees. The rates reflect the particular duties involved and, in the case of the United Kingdom employees, the discomforts and inconvenience of working 8,000 miles from home.