§ 49. Mr. CROOKSasked the Prime Minister whether Sir G. Askwith has yet reported upon the complaints of the Royal Arsenal skilled and unskilled labourers with regard to the non-payment of increased wages which they claimed to be entitled to; and, if so, whether he can inform the House of the result?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Arbitration Committee appointed by the Government reported upon the wages of labourers and certain other classes of employés in War Department establishments in London on 1st March, and the Government have concurred in the Report. The Committee recommended that an increase of 7½ per cent. on book rates and piece rates—with a minimum increase of 3s. a week—should be granted to men working as semiskilled machinists or engaged on other work of equal or superior skill, except those receiving the advances recently given, and that an increase of 2s. a week be granted to labourers. The increases are to operate as from 14th December, 1914, and to extend, so far as applicable, to all the War Department establishments in London.
§ Mr. BARNESMay I ask if other men who are even worse paid than Woolwich Arsenal labour will be put on the same footing?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.