§ MAJOR RASCHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the minimum rate of wages at Woolwich is 19s. and that at Purfleet 18s.; and whether he can assimilate them, taking into consideration the fact that the work done is the same, and that in reply to the Woolwich deputation a minimum of 19s. was admitted?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL, Hanley)The minimum rate of wages to Ordnance Store Department labourers at Woolwich has been raised to 19s. 6d. At other stations, where the cost of living and the local rates of wages are less, our rating is relatively lower, and it is not proposed to increase to that rate the wages now paid at Purfleet. Of course, the amount of wages is exclusive of the advantages and privileges which, in the case of Ordnance store labourers, cost more than 1s. per week.