§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been brought to his notice that dissatisfaction prevails in the Deptford Victualling Yard with reference to the manner in which the men's working time is recorded, and which has resulted in some men who worked overtime during the late pressure of work not receiving a gratuity, and to others who worked overtime from October, 1899, to 31st January, 1900, night and day on the victualling of the transports receiving gratuities ranging as low as from 3d. to 4s. or 5s. only, and this in the face of the promise made by him that from 25 to 50 per cent. bonus on the overtime worked would be paid; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the system now in vogue at Deptford for recording the men's working time which has led to the above result, 1128 with a view to the introduction of a more accurate system.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MACARTNEY,) Antrim, S.No representation has been received on the subject. The bonus paid was 50 per cent. on the actual amount of overtime earned by each individual in connection with the provisioning, etc., of the transports for South Africa, and as in five cases the amount of overtime work was only one hour, the gratuity amounted to 3d., being 50 per cent. of their pay for that hour. There is no reason to suppose-that the system of recording overtime at Deptford is inaccurate, and no necessity appears for the inquiry suggested.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONIf I furnish the hon. Gentleman with numerous cases of inaccuracy, will he have them inquired into?
§ MR. MACARTNEYI have carefully examined the list of payments, and there does not seem to be any inaccuracy. Still, if the hon. Gentleman will furnish me with names, I will further inquire.