§ 9. Mr. HOAREasked whether there are any engineers who, though not on the established list, are doing full time work for the Office of Works in the War Office; if so, how many; whether they are allowed the six days' leave a year which is allowed to stokers in a similar unestablished position; and whether, if their work is full time and of a permanent character, they could be placed upon the established list?
§ Mr. W. BENNThere are twelve engineers of various grades employed at the War Office on full time work by the contractors who have the engineering maintenance contract. Of these men, the stokers alone, in accordance with the general practice, receive six days' leave a year with pay. The First Commissioner regrets that he does not see his way to carry out the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. HOAREIs there any distinction between the conditions of the labour of the stokers and the engineers?
§ Mr. W. BENNNo, Sir. Both classes are treated according to the best conditions prevalent in the trade and in accordance with the Fair-Wages Clause.
§ Mr. W. BENNIt is the practice of the contractors to observe the Fair-Wages Clause, and they do it both in the case of the engineers and the stokers.