asked the Minister for Lands whether he has reviewed the present low rate of wages paid to Land Commission workers, and whether it is proposed to grant an increase in these rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Land Commission Workers.
I do not see any possibility in present circumstances of an increase in the rates payable to workers employed by the Land Commission.
In view of the fact that Land Commission workers are now paid at the very low rate of 27/- a week, while the rate of wages for agricultural workers is 30/-, will the Minister indicate on what basis he can justify the payment of such a low rate of wages by a State Department at a time when individual farmers are compelled to pay a rate of 30/-?.
I explained, during the discussion on the Estimate, that Land Commission workers work only a 48-hour week, and I also pointed out that the position of Land Commission employees or similar employees in other Government Departments is such that they cannot be taken out and treated in the same manner as State employees generally. There are other considerations, but these are two of the more important ones which make me come to the conclusion that at present I can see no hope of an increase in their wages.
Is the Minister aware that the present rate of wages paid by the Land Commission to unskilled labourers employed on building schemes is, in some midland towns, 11/- less than the amount paid by the local contractor? Surely, there should be some consideration given to this question from that point of view and some attention paid to its relation to the fair wages clause in connection with the carrying out of Government contracts?
I will put this to the Minister for his consideration, that 27/- a week for a 48-hour week works out at 6½d. an hour, and in 1940 that surely must be regarded as a particularly low rate of pay, when one considers that individual farmers, without State resources to assist them, are compelled to pay 30/-? I suggest it is most unfair to ask Land Commission workers to work for 27/- a week with broken time, which means that a man may not earn more than £1 a week in indifferent weather.