§ Mr. Marshallasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what are the weekly rates of wages received by the forestry workers of Glamorganshire, Monmouthshire, and Gloucestershire; how many of these workers have to purchase their own tools and what travelling allowances are granted to those of them who have to travel long distances to their work; how many of these workers work under a piecework system; what percentage over day rates are pieceworkers allowed to earn; and whether the Commission has refused favourably to consider an application for an increase of wages sent in on behalf of these workers?
§ Sir G. CourthopeIn Glamorganshire the weekly minimum time-work rate for adult male forestry workers is 40s., fixed by the Agricultural Wages Committee. In Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire the Agricultural Wages Committees' rates are 34s. and 33s. respectively, the rate paid to the Forestry Commission's workers being 37s. in both counties.
None of the Commission's workers are required to purchase their own tools, but skilled timber fellers and skilled tradesmen bring their own tools. None of these workers are granted travelling allowances. The number of these workers on piecework varies with the season of the year. Piece rates enable the workers to earn 25 per cent. more than the Commission's minimum time rate.
As to the last part of the question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given in this House on behalf of the Forestry Commissioners to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 30th ultimo.