§ COLONEL HUGHESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what rise has recently been made in the wages of the labourers in the Naval branch of the Control Department, Woolwich Arsenal; and whether the privileges of sick pay and leave are equal to those given to the labourers in the Army branch of the Control Department?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONNo rise has recently taken place in the wages of the labourers referred to. Except in the case of the men who have been taken over from the Army branch, the privileges of sick pay and leave are not equal to those allowed in the Army branch. All of these questions, however, are now being dealt with by the Executive Committee on the Dockyards which is now sitting.
§ COLONEL HUGHESDo I understand that even after the decision of the Admiralty to pay a proper rate of wages nothing is being done?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONThe questions raised are under consideration by an Executive Committee of the Admiralty, acting under instructions from the Admiralty.
§ COLONEL HUGHESAnd when is a decision likely to be arrived at?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI cannot make a statement on that subject. The Admiralty will take definite action as soon as its Executive Committee have reported.
§ COLONEL HUGHESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what rise has recently been made in the wages of the control labourers in Woolwich Arsenal?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL, Hanley)The minimum rate of wages now paid to labourers has been increased to 19s. per week.