§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it is true that Martini-Henry rifles are being made for the Government by Messrs. Purvis and Co., of Eagle Wharf Road; if so, whether he is aware that the sights are sub-contracted to a man on the premises, who receives 2s. 2d. for each sight, for which he pays the men under him 1s. 4¾d.; whether he is aware that portions of the rifle are being made by sub-contract in Birmingham; and whether such action is sanctioned by the War Office?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) HanleyMartini-Henry rifles and carbines are being made under contract with the War Office by the Henry Rifled Barrel Company, of Eagle Wharf Road, the manager of the firm being Mr. Purvis. It is true that the back sights are undertaken by a foreman of the works, but he receives 1s. 11d. per sight, not 2s. 2d. This price covers 1s. 5d. for piecework, in addition to 30s. per week for day work operations and the foreman's own wages for finishing. The pieceworkers earn on an average 35s. per week, or over 7¾d. per hour, which is considered satisfactory. Three small items among the component parts of the carbine are being obtained in an unfinished state from Birmingham. The contract provides that sub-letting, other than that which may be considered customary in the trade, is prohibited. It is not considered that the company have done anything which is not customary in the trade.
§ MR. LOUGHMay I ask whether the workpeople employed under the foremen are paid by them or direct from the general office of the company?
§ MR. WOODALLHitherto 193 day and pieceworkers have received their money from the window of the office, while 54 hands under seven contractors take their earnings direct from these con- 1559 tractors, who also regulate the rates to be paid to the 54 hands for the different operations. It has now been arranged that all the piecework rates shall be fixed by the company, and all workers receive payment direct from the office.