§ Mr. SPEARasked if the First Lord will consider the propriety of at once raising the wages of unskilled labourers in His Majesty's dockyards; and if he is aware that with heavy rents and increased cost of living it is impossible for men to fittingly maintain their families on their present wage?
§ Mr. McKENNAAccording to my present information, the conditions of employment of the men in the Royal yards, are not inferior to those of men in good employment outside.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider 21s. a week a living wage?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat depends entirely upon the cost of living where the 21s. are paid.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of living in Devonport is very much the same as in London?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; I am told it is very much less than it is in London.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill he make inquiries?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes; I have made frequent inquiries.