§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he 804 is aware that the hose-makers employed at Keyham Factory were promoted a few years ago to that rating from skilled labourers, that this promotion has placed the hose-makers at a disadvantage seeing that the maximum pay of a hired skilled labourer is 30s. per week, and of an established skilled labourer 28s. per week, so that if the hose-makers had remained as skilled labourers they would now be eligible for the rise given by the Admiralty to skilled labourers, but being rated as hose-makers they can never reach the maximum paid to skilled labourers; and whether, in view of the fact that these men are mechanics, he can see his way to raise the maximum pay of the hose-makers to the same as that of the skilled labourers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. Gentleman is not correct in saying that the leather hose-makers cannot reach the maximum of the special rate allowed for skilled labourers. The question of the pay of the leather hose-makers is, however, now before the Board in connection with the annual hearing of petitions. Whatever decision may be arrived at will be promulgated in due course.