§ MR. C. J. DARLING (Deptford)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether a petition from the coopers employed in the Victualling Yard at Deptford was received in November; what answer has been made to it; and whether it is intended at once to make any change for their advantage in the terms of employment of these men?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONA petition has been received from the coopers at Deptford. The decision of the Admiralty thereon, arrived at after full consideration, will be shortly communicated to the yard, when the other petitions have been settled.
§ MR. C. J. DARLINGI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to pay to their employés. especially to those employed in the victualling yard at Deptford, a minimum wage of 24s. a week; and whether, if the men desire it, such a wage would be paid on their giving up the present privileges, bonus, and allowances?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONThe minimum wage at present in force was settled as part of the general scheme of wages at the Government yards in 1893, and the Admiralty have no present intention of altering the same. The second part of the question being hypothetical, is not one which can be properly answered.