§ 14. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he has received any petition from the coxswains and drivers employed in the torpedo range in Plymouth Sound; whether he is aware that these men's wages are below the wages of men doing similar work on dockyard duties; that the work of the torpedo range is dangerous and responsible; and whether, in view of the further facts that the cost of living has increased so much of late years that the purchasing power of wages has considerably diminished, and that these men have only received 1s. advance during the last eight years, he can see his way to place their wages on a level with men doing similar work on dockyard duties?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The men in question are rated as skilled labourers employed as coxswains and drivers on the steam launches, attending the torpedo range, and a petition on their behalf was received at the hearing of the Devonport petitions. I cannot admit the contention that their wages are below the wages of men doing similar work in the dockyards. As skilled labourers, the scale of wages for these men is as follows: Probationary minimum for one year 23s. a week, ordinary minimum thereafter 24s., ordinary maximum 28s. Beyond this there is, for skilled labourers, a special rate, the maximum of which is 31s. So far these men have not participated in this rate. I am considering the question of their eligibility.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWhen does the right hon. Gentleman hope to be in a position to answer the petitions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answers to the petitions will be communicated in due course, except where they have already been answered by concessions.