HC Deb 05 July 1916 vol 83 cc1516-7
30. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the civilian clerks of works and foremen of works employed in the department of the Royal Engineers were eighteen months ago granted overtime pay for any overtime they worked; that this was considered by them as a grant to help them to meet the increased cost of living; if the commanding officer of the Royal Engineers at Aldershot in March last stopped the payment for overtime; and whether, in view of the increased cost of the necessaries of life, he can see his way to increase the pay of these men?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

Overtime pay in these cases was authorised by the War Office in December, 1914, but it was in payment for extra time worked, and not as a grant towards increased cost of living. I have no information as to what took place at Aldershot in March last, but presumably it ceased to be necessary to work extra time.

Mr. WILSON

Is it not the fact that overtime iias been worked while overtime rates have not been paid? Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Mr. FORSTER

. Certainly.