§ 17. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any increase in war bonus has been granted to labourers, skilled labourers, and mechanics employed in His Majesty's dockyards; if so, will he state the amount in each case; and can he say if boys and women employed in His Majesty's dockyards are receiving the same increase; if not, will he explain the reason?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)An addition of 2s. a week for labourers and 1s. for skilled labourers and mechanics, to the amount of the war increases in wages, was granted as from the 19th instant, making, with the increase granted on 28th March last, a total war increase of 4s. a 601 week for all adult male employés in His Majesty's Dockyards. On 28th March last a war increase of 2s. a week was granted for women employés, and 1s. for boys and girls, and, having regard to all the circumstances, it was considered that a further increase was not now warranted in these cases.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not understand that the differentiation is causing dissatisfaction in the dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOur employés have been loyal and faithful in their duties, and by the increase of 1s. a week to the war bonus of mechanics and skilled labourers and 2s. a week to the war bonus of the labourers we have on our part met them equitably and justly. I hope my hon. Friend will not press the matter further.