§ 7. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether but few painters in the Royal dockyards obtain the top rate of pay; that the proportion of those placed on the establishment is small; that, with the exception of 6d. on the maximum given last year, they have received no rise in pay since 1905; that they have to serve an apprenticeship to their trade and are required to do every kind of ship painting; that, although receiving only 8½d. per hour, they have often to work side by side with contract men getting 10½d. per hour for the same work; and whether, in view of these facts and the rise in the cost of living, he will consider the advisability of making these men some concessions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have considered the case of the painters, and without entering into a discussion of the various points in the question, I am afraid I can hold out no prospect of any modification of their scale.