HC Deb 09 August 1894 vol 28 c475
MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE

On behalf of the hon. Member for Deptford, I beg to ask the Civil'Lord of the Admiralty whether six permanent day coopers employed in the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, have had their wages reduced from 30s. to 26s. a week; and whether these men's pensions will be calculated on a higher rate than their present weekly pay?

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

There are no permanent day coopers at Deptford. Any cooper who is qualified, and wishes it, has his turn at piece-work. It is incorrect to say that the wages have been reduced. The rate of 30s., or 5s. a day, was paid for some time in consequence of a mistake in an Admiralty letter. When the mistake was discovered, the proper rate of 4s. 4d. a day was resumed. The nominal rate of 30s. a week was fixed by the Treasury for the purpose of calculating the pensions of men who, being employed on piece-work, earn on an average 30s. a week or more. It does not apply to men who are not employed on piece-work at all, as the rule is that pension cannot be calculated at a higher rate than actual pay.