§ MR. BENN (Devonport)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the payment of dockyard wages under £2 per week, he will consider the advisability of returning to the practice of payment of all or part in silver, to save the 933 commission now frequently charged to dockyard employees for giving change.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The coins used in payment of dockyard wages under £2 are sovereigns, silver coins of various denominations, and pence, except at two yards, Portsmouth and Devonport, where half sovereigns are also used. No change in the practice of the several yards has occurred for many years, and no reasons are known for any alteration in the present procedure. There is no information at the Admiralty regarding the commission stated to be charged to dockyard employees for giving change, but inquiry will be made.