§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, Whether a large number of workmen employed in the Field Gun Section of the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich, in July last, complained, through the prescribed channels, against a deduction (equivalent to three and a-half hours) alleged by them to have been improperly made from their pay on the observance of the anniversary of Her Majesty's birthday; and, whether such complaint has yet been considered?
§ THE SURVEYOR GENERAL (MR. NORTHCOTE) (Exeter)The men in question did make a representation to the manager of the Factory as to a deduction from their wages; and the manager, through an error of judgment, for which he has been admonished, omitted to bring the representation to the notice of the Superintendent. It is stated that the course pursued was in accordance with recognized rules; but the men's representation will now receive all consideration, and, if a hardship is found to have been inflicted, steps will be taken to have it removed.