§ Mr. JENKINSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his Board has issued an order reducing the piece-work rates of the skilled labourers in His Majesty's Dockyards by 4 per cent., the amount by which the piece-work rates were increased when an advance of 1s. a day was given on the day rates; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the order withdrawn?
§ Mr. M'KENNANo such order as that implied in the question has been issued. In the cases in which skilled labourers are mainly affected the 4 per cent. increase in piece-work rates granted in 1906 has been embodied in amended schedules of piece- 1589 work rates. Some instructions have recently been issued in regard to the calculation of their share of the piece-work earnings when skilled labourers are working on piece-work with mechanics, but this is a small administrative detail by which the skilled labourers get the full increased weekly pay plus piece-rates based thereon.
§ Mr. JENKINSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the skilled labourers were consulted when the rates were revised as to the revision?
Mr. M`KENNAI cannot say whether they were consulted or not, but I have inquired, and I am told that so far from being detrimental to them it would be a great advantage.