§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the position of ship-riggers is changed by the recent improvement in the wages of skilled labourers; and, seeing ship-riggers are employed on mechanical work, whether he will consider the advisability of levelling up their wages to 30s. for established and 31s. 6d. for hired men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of the pay of the riggers is before the Board in connection with the annual hearing of petitions. Whatever decision may be arrived at will be promulgated in due course.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I ask what "due course" means?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhen we have arrived at a decision.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year it took a whole year to arrive at a decision?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt took some time; I do not know about a whole year. I have every expectation that we shall promulgate our decision early.