§ 79. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether any Petition has been received from the assistant foremen in the Army Ordnance Department, His Majesty's Gunwharf, Devonport; that the wages of these men range from 23s. to 27s., and that, notwithstanding the rise in the minimum of 3s. in 1894, that is from 21s. to 24s., the rise was subsequently reduced to 23s.; why the reduction took place; whether he is aware the assistant foremen are responsible to the storeholder for the condition of the stores in his charge, that they are required to act as storeholder, if necessary, to lay out all stores for inspectors, to check all 800 consignments, and prepare all issue vouchers; and whether, in view of these facts as well as the rise that has taken place in the cost of living and rents in dockyard towns of recent years, he can see his way to give some increase in pay to these men so as to bring their weekly wage more in accordance with the duties required and the outlay they are compelled to make?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)This question is under consideration.