HC Deb 21 April 1890 vol 343 cc970-1
COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to re-introduce the promised Bill to carry out the recommendation of the Committee of this House as to certain workmen, entered before 4th June, 1870, in Woolwich Arsenal, being placed on the superannua- tion list; whether he is aware that some of the persons proposed to be benefited have died in poverty since the Committee reported; and whether, on account of its urgency, he will bring in a separate Bid to effect the object desired before Whitsuntide?

COLONEL HUGHES (Woolwich)

I also wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman when he will introduce a Bill to carry out the recommendation of the Select Committee of this House last Session, as to certain workmen at Woolwich Arsenal; whether such Bill will be a separate measure, and not connected with other clauses relating to the Civil Service; and whether the representatives of those who have died while the delay has arisen, will receive the amount which would have been payable to the deceased persons at the time of their deaths?

MR. GOSCHEN

It was intended to include the case of the Woolwich Arsenal workmen in a general Superannuation Bill. But looking to the time which such a Bill may take in passing, the Government have decided to deal with the question of Arsenal workmen in a separate measure. I must, however, ask the hon. and gallant Member for Woolwich to defer his further question till the Bill is introduced.

COLONEL HUGHES

Will the Bill be introduced before Whitsuntide?

MR. GOSCHEN

Yes; within a few days.

COLONEL HUGHES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state approximately the number of labourers employed in the Ordnance Store Department of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, and how many of these earn 17s. a week, and how many 18s. and 19s. respectively?

*MR. E. STANHOPE

By the latest Return there were 992 labourers in the Ordnance Store Department at Woolwich, of whom 318 are on 17s. a week, 345 on 18s. a week, and 200 on 19s. a week, besides 87 at £1 a week, and 42 at 25s. a week.