HC Deb 14 September 1893 vol 17 cc1139-40
MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that house rent at Devonport is at least as high as at Deptford and Woolwich, the Government have decided to make the minimum standard rate of wages to unskilled labourers the same as conceded to these districts?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON",) Dundee

A careful investigation was made into the cost of living (including rent) in the various dockyard districts, with the result that, in the opinion of the Board, no basis could be found for a discrimination in the rate of wages to unskilled labourers except in the special cases of Deptford and Woolwich. The Admiralty is unable to see its way to any alteration of this decision.

MR. KEARLEY

Are the Admiralty aware that at Devonport the rent for a single room is quite as much as is paid for a cottage in some parts of the country?

MR. E. ROBERTSON

There is a great difference in the case of Woolwich and Deptford; but we could not find that there was any evidence which would justify us in discriminating between Devonport and any other part of the country.

MR. KEARLEY

Is the Civil Lord prepared to receive evidence on this question? A statement was made only two days ago to the Plymouth Corporation by the Labour Council of the Three Towns that the cost of living and rent in Devonport was 20 per cent. higher than in London.

MR. E. ROBERTSON

Any information the hon. Gentleman may lay before me will be fully considered.