§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W)To ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state whether there is any intention of putting the packers in the Royal Army Clothing Department, Pimlico, on piecework; whether the women machinists were recently asked to complete more quickly the new pattern shoulder straps, for which they were paid at the rate of 2s. 1d. for ten pairs; and whether the authorities are now reducing the rate to 1s. 8d. per ten pairs, in consequence of the fact that certain skilled hands succeeded in getting through an unusual amount of work in the week. And, whether he will consider the advisability of allowing the supervisor to issue two garments instead of one, seeing that, under the present system, the hand-sewer who is on piecework is frequently compelled to wait until the machinists have finished the stitching.
(Answer.) The question of putting the packers on piecework is under consideration. Recently there was a pressing demand for the new pattern shoulder straps, but no unusual pressure was put on the women machinists, who were paid 2s. 1d. for ten pairs. Tin's rate will shortly be reduced to 1s. 8d., owing to the large number of pairs which the average machinist has proved able 496 to turn out. As regards the last paragraph, it is the general rule to issue two garments in all cases where praeticablc.—(War Office.)