§ 81. Mr. W. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Great Western Quay labourers are on strike at Weymouth to obtain a wage of 6d. per hour; whether he is aware that a signal has been issued to the Fleet that time-expired men may have employment to fill the places of the quay labourers; and whether it is with official sanction that Government machinery and His Majesty's forces are used in the interests of the Great Western Railway Company, and seamen encouraged to act as strike breakers and work at less than the trade union rate of wages?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am informed that the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleets received the following message on the afternoon of Saturday, the 9th August, from the marine superintendent of the Great Western Railway: "If you have any time-expired men desiring civil employment, I can engage about forty immediately on loading and unloading steamers. Minimum wages 5d. per hour, fairly regular employment, March to November, and may develop into permanent employment. Kindly reply." Being unaware of the circumstances which led to the issue of this request, and being anxious to assist men to civil employment, the Commander-in-Chief caused the message to be circulated to the ships present.