§ 40. Mr. BRYCEasked the Minister of Munitions whether, in the Ordnance Factory at Woolwich the out-turn of the women workers exceeds that of men doing similar work; and, if so, to what extent; whether the average wages of the women are, not withstanding, considerably less; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that the women shall be paid in proportion to their out-turn on the same scale as the men?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe output of groups of women workers at Woolwich occasionally exceeds that of equal groups of men for an equal period. The piecework prices paid to men and women are the same, but the hours of work and the time ratings are different.
§ 41. Mr. BRYCEasked the Minister of Munitions whether, in connection with the existence at the cordite cannon cartridge factory at Woolwich, of seven night and six day shifts for women workers, he has yet had any Report of the result of the investigation which was made into the question of the hours and conditions of work at Woolwich as affecting the health of the workers; and if he has received such Report whether he will publish it?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe whole matter of the hours and conditions of work at Woolwich is receiving detailed consideration, and adjustments are being made as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. RENDALLWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a general statement on this question of work at Woolwich which has been asked for a long time?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe are dealing with each shop as quickly as we can. A great many difficult considerations are involved.