§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Undersecretary for War whether, owing to slackness of employment, a number of employés whose rating had for a period of, in some cases, twenty years stood at 34s., have had recently to suffer a reduction of rating to 27s.; and, if so, whether he will insure that by reason of such change the men so affected shall not suffer a consequent reduction in sick pay, holiday pay, or gratuity on discharge?
§ Colonel SEELYThere have been some reductions of rating at the Small Arms Factory, Enfield, owing to slackness of 33 employment, but in no case did the length of service at the higher rate approximate to twenty years. The only alternative to these reductions would have been to discharge the men affected. I cannot undertake that these alterations in day work ratings may not affect sick pay or holiday pay or gratuities on discharge, as it is not possible to give vested rights to a certain rate of sick or holiday pay, and as gratuities on discharge are regulated by Statute.