§ 35. Mr. CROOKSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether young men trained in the rifle shell factory at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, are now called upon to turn shrapnel at 5s. per hundred less than the men were paid; and, as this cutting of prices without any improved method of production is causing friction among the workmen, will he arrange that all who qualify shall be paid the acknowledged rates without deduction?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)The work referred to is suitable for lads and boys, but my hon. Friend, if I understand him aright, suggests that they should be paid full men's wages. I cannot, however, agree that this is usual either in Government or in private employment.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANWas not an undertaking given, both verbally and in writing, that no alteration was to be made in the prices without a new method of production being brought into operation, and is not this a direct violation both of the written and oral promise?
§ Mr. BAKERNo, I have looked into the matter and I think there is an alteration of the conditions that puts it outside the promise.
Mr. POINTERAre we to assume that a boy who does the same amount of work as a man is not to receive the same pay for it?
§ Mr. BAKERIt is not usual either in Government or private employ to pay men's wages to boys when they are doing boys' work.