§ 59. Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that 179 men were sent out of the yard at Portsmouth, being men of the Works Department, because of rain, and lost thereby half a day's wages from their rate of 22s. or 23s. per week; and if, having regard to the low rate of wages, he can see his way to the payment of those wages in full, so long as the men are available for work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. Friend does not state the date of the standing off of the workmen he refers to; but 177 men were stood off in consequence of inclement weather on the 16th April last. The necessity for standing off these men, who were engaged on outdoor work, was due to wet weather and the impossibility of finding other employment for them. The general question is under consideration with a view to reducing the time which may be lost through standing off to a minimum.
§ Mr. BARNESWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, "Whether if, having regard to the low rate of wages, he can see his way to the payment of those wages in full, so long as the men are available?"
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am very anxious the men should lose as little as possible, and that is why I said I would give the matter further consideration.