§ SIR JOHN BENN (Devonport)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a shipwright who, having been summoned by telegram, was allowed to leave his work 2⅓ hours before bell-ringing, on 22nd December last, was checked five hours pay; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent employees, under such circumstances, being checked for more time than they actually lose.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.)— This man was checked five hours pay, in accordance with the regulation that workpeople leaving the yard more than two hours before bell-ringing are to be checked half a day's pay. In view, however, of the adoption of an hourly rate, steps will be taken to revise this regulation, as to prevent men being checked for more than the time actually lost. I may add that this man made no complaint to the Dockyard officers, and that, had he done so, his case would have been favourably considered.