§ MR. DARLING (Deptford)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty 266 whether six permanent day coopers employed in the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, have had their wages reduced from 30s. to 26s. weekly, and whether these men's pensions will be calculated on a higher rate than their present weekly pay?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONThere are no permanent day coopers at Deptford. Every man who wishes, and is qualified, has his turn at piecework. There has been no reduction of wages. The rate of 30s. was paid for some time in consequence of a mistake in an Admiralty Letter to the yard. When the mistake was discovered the authorised rate of 26s. was resumed. The rate assumed cannot be higher than the actual earnings.