MR. KEIR-HARDIE (West Ham, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the case of William Wheatley, engaged as a boy labourer in the Chief Constructor's Department at Chatham at 12s. per week, although he is 6 feet 2½, inches in height, weighs 13 stone 4 lbs., has a chest measurement of 38 inches, and is 20 years of age; and will he explain on what grounds Wheatley's application to have his wages raised to 16s. weekly, in accordance with 1031 the new Regulations of the 1st October, has been refused?
* SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTHThe highest wage that could be paid to Wheatley under the existing Regulations is 15s. per week. He has been recommended for that rate and will receive it, but next April the new scale will come into force under which, if he is recommended by his foreman or superior officer, be will be eligible for 19s. per week.