Mini Wall Plate Setup

[Gizzydash]

Hi All,
Replacing some ceiling joists that are pocketed into wall. Removed the old ones and been confronted with the setup in attached pics which I wasn't really expecting. The old joists were resting on a small bit of timber (50x20mm) and 50mm mortar bed behind this - so half timber batten and half mortar bed. Can only assume this was done for fixing purposes to nail the joist to the batten. Main question is whether I should fire ahead and rest the new joists on this setup or do something else as timber batten is pretty small but guess it has lasted this long - any thoughts? Thanks

 

[catlad]

I can't see any point in the timber being there.

 

[Gizzydash]

Me neither. Guess I have two choices, just sit the new joist on it and hope it never rots away or cut out sections where the pockets are and replace with maybe steel packers - any thoughts on what would be best approach?

 

[Gizzydash]

Just about to put up my new joists - any advice on whether to just go with seating them on the existing batten or do something different?