HC Deb 14 August 1893 vol 16 cc124-5
MR. J. BURNS

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to announce if any further steps have been taken, by reducing the working hours or otherwise, with a view of averting the threatened reduction in the number of workmen employed in the Government arsenals?

MR. WOODALL

As I have already stated, in reply to the hon. Member for West Islington (Mr. Lough), the small arms factory at Enfield is closed on Saturdays. I have now to add that with the view of endeavouring to avert a discharge of workmen that would otherwise be rendered necessary in the cartridge factory at Woolwich, owing to the falling-off of work, it has been determined that the hands employed there shall be put on shorter hours.

MR. J. BURNS

May I appeal to the Secretary of State to see that the minimum wage of 19s. recently conceded to labourers is not interfered with?

MR. WOODALL

The Government is extremely anxious to act with the fullest consideration to all the persons employed under the War Department, and particularly so in the case of men whose minimum rate of wages is 19s. per week. We shall try to find employment for such as arc unable to get it on their spare day. I hope the hon. Member will be satisfied with that general assurance.

SIR J. GORST

I beg to give notice that on the Dockyard Vote I will ask the Secretary of State for War to give a detailed account of the measures taken by the Government in order to give effect to the Resolution passed earlier in the Session.