§ MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether an official intimation was conveyed to the women employed in the Army Clothing Factory at Pimlico that a reduction in prices would take place equal in amount to a loss in the wages of the tailoresses of from 4s. to 5s. per week; if so, will he state why an official denial of the same has been allowed to be communicated to the Press; and whether the enforcement of the reduction named will be withheld till an interview has taken place between the representatives of the Government and the employees concerned.
§ MR. HALDANENo official intimation has been given to the workers in the Royal Army Clothing Factory that a reduction in prices would take place as 407 suggested in the Question. A fortnight's notice will be given of any reduction which it may be intended to make, and full opportunity will be given to the workers to interview the representatives of the Government on the matter.
§ MR. SUMMERBELLasked if the right hon. Gentleman would inquire how such information was communicated to the Press? Was it done by any official of his Department?
§ MR. HALDANEI have no reason to think so, but I will inquire.