§ 70. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked what is the highest and what the lowest amount that can be earned by the ordinary labourer in the Royal dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe highest amount that can be earned by an ordinary labourer at His Majesty's dockyards in England is, when he is employed on piecework, on which occasions his pay may amount to 31s. a week. But I ought to say that the ordinary labourer, in comparison with the skilled labourers, does not get very many opportunities of being put on piecework, and when he does he would not often earn as much as 31s. a week. The lowest rate is 21s. for a full week of forty-eight hours on time pay.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECould the right hon. Gentleman say how many labourers are getting 21s. per week in the Royal dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere are 2,000 roughly on time pay, but some of those have opportunities from time to time of earning extra.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECould the right hon. Gentleman give any comparison between the pay in the Royal dockyards and the pay under the Port of London Authority?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, I cannot answer that question within the limits of a question and answer now.