SIR WALTER POSTER (Derby, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has received any representation respecting the discontent of the workmen employed at 19 the Royal Small Arms Factory, Small-heath, Birmingham, in consequence of the reduction of their piece prices; "whether it is true, as stated, that reductions of from 10 to 40 per cent. have been made, to the great diminution of the weekly earnings of the men; and whether he will grant an independent inquiry into the complaints of the workmen, and guarantee the men coming forward as witnesses against future injury to their position or prospects in consequence of their action?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPENo representation on the subject has been brought to my notice, nor have I any reason to suppose that there is any foundation whatever for the statement embodied in the question. That statement is, however, of a serious character, and I propose to deal more fully with it when I have received the Report which I have called for.
§ SIR WALTER FOSTERI will re peat the question on an early day.