§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what increase in wages has been granted this year to the men employed by the Forestry Commission; what is the total now paid per week to these men; how this compares with the wages of the lumbermen brought to this country from overseas; and will he consider making some further increase in wages, in view of the discontent at the low rate paid and the increase in the cost of living?
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe standard time work rate for the Commission's adult workmen has been increased this year from 38s. to 42s. per week in England and Wales, and in Scotland, where the wages paid had been somewhat higher, a standard time work rate of 43s. per week has been fixed. The increased rates, which have been carefully considered by the Commissioners, have only recently been given effect and no further increases are contemplated at the present time. As regards the lumbermen brought to this country from overseas, special arrangements were necessary owing to the acute shortage of skilled forestry workers in this country to meet the heavy demands for timber arising out of the war, and a force of men was recruited in Newfoundland under the Newfoundland Forestry 813W Unit Act, 1939. In the special circumstances no useful wages comparison can be made between this overseas unit and the home forestry workers.