§ Major ADAMasked whether in Q. F., Nos. 1 and 2, Royal Laboratory, Woolwich, men are being employed upon day-work upon what is really boys' piece-work; if so, under what circumstances; and what is the difference, if any, in the amount of wages paid to the men and that previously paid to the boys?
§ Mr. HALDANESeven men are employed on work usually done by boys in the shops referred to, and men are similarly employed in certain other shops. The object is to avoid discharges of men for whom there is not at present sufficient men's work. The wages of the seven men are from 24s. to 25s. a week against 15s. to 21s. for boys.
§ Mr. BOWERMANArising out of that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not better that a man should be employed doing boy's work than that boys should be employed doing men's work?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt is certainly better we should avoid discharges of men so long as there is any work for them to do.