HC Deb 19 June 1913 vol 54 cc521-2
12. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the New Explosive Company at Stowmarket, who have a contract with the Admiralty, are paying the following rates of wages: Yardmen 3½d. and 3¾d. per hour, for cotton picking 2¼d., cotton drying 2½d. cotton weighing 2¾d., cotton dipping 4¾d., acid machine workers 4¾d., pot carriers 3½d., acid mixers 3¾d., boiling vat workers 3¾d., beaters 3½d., poacher house workers 3½d., pulp machine workers 3¾d., packing department workers 3½d. and 4d., for cartridge making 2¾d., 3d., 3½d., and 4d., hydraulic pressing 2¾d. per box of 63 charges of half a pound each, acid plant workers 4½d. per hour, Kessler plant men 3½d. and 3¾d., in cotton stores 3½d. and 3¾d., for cordite incorporating 4d., storemen 3¾d., acetone recovery 4d., blending house 3½d., and blasting department 2½d. and 2¾d.; if he is aware that these rates of wages work nut at 10s. per week below those paid for Government explosive work and 7s. below the rates paid by a private firm manufacturing the same kind of explosives; if he is aware that about 400 men are now on strike for an increase of Id. per hour for adults and ½d. per hour for youths; and whether, in view of the Fair Wages Resolution, he intends taking any action in the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

I take note of the information given by my hon. Friend. I understand that a strike is in progress, and I am considering whether, in the circumstances, an investigation can be made by the Admiralty without prejudice to the interests cerned.

Mr. W. THORNE

If the facts contained in the question are correct, will the right Lon. Gentleman refuse to give any more work to this particular contractor till wages are increased?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say as to whether or not the facts are correct. I propose to consult the Board of Trade.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Without giving the men a chance?

Mr. LEIF JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the rule of the Board of Trade that dangerous work shall be done without undue haste; and whether boys employed by this firm are making blasting cartridges for mining purposes by piecework?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will make inquiry into the whole matter.