HC Deb 20 April 1915 vol 71 cc179-80
63. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government can see their way to pay the women who make the shirts for the Army during the period of war 8½d. instead of 7½d. per shirt; and whether he is aware that a considerable number of these women are widows of men who have lost their lives in the service of their country, and that some employers of a similar class of female labour have given a war bonus to enable their employés to meet the increased cost of living?

Mr. BAKER

The price paid by the War Department to the needlewomen's associations is 8½d., and the question of increasing this is under consideration. I am informed that the usual price now allowed by the associations to the women is 8d.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is 8½d. paid in the towns where these shirts are required?

Mr. BAKER

Eightpence-halfpenny is paid by the War Department to the associations and the associations pay a slightly lower sum.