Mr. T. WILSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if he is aware that workmen employed on gardening work under the Crown Estate Paving Commissioners at Regent's Park are being paid below the recognised rate of 30s. per week for this class of work, which is the rate paid to the workmen employed on similar work by His Majesty's Office of Works in the same park; and whether he will give instructions for the recognised rate to be paid in accordance with the usual practice in Government establishments?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe gardeners employed by the Crown Estates Paving Commissioners are not Government servants, and the Commissioners of Woods and Forests have no control over them or power to regulate their wages.
I am informed, however, that seven gardeners are employed by the Commissioners in Regent's Park, of whom four are paid £3 per week, and three £3 3s. per week, inclusive of war bonus.