§ MR. MACDONALD (Tower Hamlets, Bow); I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the engine-drivers, stokers, and oilers engaged in the Woolwich Arsenal are compelled to be at their posts for 60 hours a week; whether under the new arrangement of hours their time should be 53 hours—namely, 48 hours' work and five meal hours; and whether on night shift in all other branches of work in the factory men are paid a bonus of three hours per night or 15 hours per week, as under the 54 hours system, whereas the engine-drivers, stokers, and oilers are paid a bonus of only 10 hours?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley(who replied) said): Engine-drivers, stokers, and oilers are required to be present during all meal hours and to give such extra time beyond the ordinary factory hours as the nature of their duties requires; but their time for work will have been sensibly reduced by the factories only being open for a less number of hours. They are on consolidated rates of pay, which cover mealtimes and time for cleaning and oiling the machinery. The usual bonus of three hours per night is paid to the men on night-shift, except in the Royal Gun Factory, where a fixed nightly rate is in use.
§ MR. MACDONALDIs this a new arrangement which did not prevail before the eight hours system was introduced into the Arsenal?
§ MR. WOODALLI am not quite sure; I imagine not.