HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 c1095
39. Colonel STIRLING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether British subjects of military age are being employed on railway construction and maintenance in France and paid at the rate of 9d. per hour and upwards, with rations and billets, a guaranteed minimum payment for a week of fifty-four hours, whether they work or not, and payment for overtime in addition?

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

Yes, Sir. This is a temporary arrangement, the men being spared for a short period from their work on British railways.