§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the wood machinists discharged from the Mount Pleasant factory have been offered work at 2d. and 2½d. per hour less than that which they have been receiving; and, if so, whether he will explain the cause of this departure from his assurances to these men?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI take the hon. Member's question to refer to certain wood machinists whom it was necessary to discharge in June last on account of shortness of work, and for whom I obtained offers of employment with one of the firms performing work for me under 1709 contract. I understand that the firm in question, were not able to find work war ranting a rate as high as the men had been receiving at the Post Office factory. I do not know to what assurances on my part the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to recall his former statement that he had arranged with outside employers that good situations should be offered to these men?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes; they are good situations, with one of the very best firms in London.
§ Mr. CLYNESDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that an hourly wage of 2d. or 2½d. less than they commonly earn good wages?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt depends upon the amount of work to be done.