§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty's attention has been called to an advertisement in the "Dunfermline Courier" of 9th May, for navvies at Mithall Dock, Fife, wages 5½d; and whether this rate, recognised as a fair minimum by the best employers in the district, will be enforced upon the contractors for the ammunition stores at Crombie?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am unable to trace any such advertisement in a paper called the "Dunfermline Courier." I have, how- 7 ever, seen an advertisement in the "Dundee Advertiser" stating that men are required at Methil, but its terms do not agree with the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question as regards the minimum rate of pay.
§ Mr. J. WARDDoes the advertisement say that the wages for navvies are 5½d. an hour?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; the advertisement is for navvies at wages ranging from 5d. to 5½d. The minimum wage is 5d.
§ Mr. J. WARDAm I to understand that under the Fair-Wages Clause the lower rate is that which has been decided upon by the Board of Admiralty?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe have not a flat rate of 5d. either. It is not a lower rate than that mentioned in the advertisement referred to by the hon. Gentleman. The advertisement to which I refer puts the wages at from 5d. to 5½d., and I understand that is the rate which at the present time is being paid by the contractors at Rosyth.
§ Mr. J. WARDMay I show the right hon. Gentleman presently my advertisement? There is no such thing as 5d. That is a pure piece of imagination.
§ Mr. McKENNAAnd I shall be very glad to show my hon. Friend the advertisement in the "Dundee Advertiser."