Mr. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the average daily earnings of relief workers in Jamaica; are they employed doing similar work to other workers with higher earnings; how many days per week are normally worked or permitted; and whether the income of these workers affords a reasonable living standard.
§ Colonel StanleyThe general rate of pay for relief workers throughout Jamaica is 13s. 4d. for a five-day week of thirty hours, i.e. 2s. 8d. for a six-hour day. In Western Kingston a free meal is given to the workers in addition to that rate of pay. Other relief workers in the Kingston area work at piece rates with weekly earnings limited to 15s. 4d. (which includes an allowance in lieu of meals). The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative, since relief work is not as strenuous or as exacting as that performed by unskilled labour employed by Government at a wage of 5s. for an eight-hour day. I am awaiting a Report from the Governor on the adequacy of the rates of pay for relief work at the present time, and I will communicate with the hon. Member in reply to the last part of his Question when I receive the Governor's reply.