§ 70. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that adult men employed at the Aldershot field stores are being paid 26s. per week; whether he is aware that these men have only received an increase of wages during the War of 4s. per week; whether he is aware that all men in munition establishments are being paid a war bonus of 12s. weekly in addition to their pre-war wages; whether he is aware that negotiations have been conducted with the War Office for eight months, so far without result; and whether he will take steps to speed this matter up and so help to remedy the present hardship under which these men are suffering?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I hope that a decision will be arrived at during the next day or two.
§ 71. Mr. DUNCANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that adult women are being employed at the Field Stores, Aldershot, at 17s. per week; whether he is aware that increased wages have been asked for; whether he is aware that they have been informed that the increased cost of living is no reason for 332 increasing these women's wages; whether he is aware of the discontent at present existing amongst these women because of their treatment by the War Office; and will he take prompt steps to bring their wages up to the minimum paid by the Ministry of Munitions and the Admiralty, namely, 24s. per week?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs I promised my hon. Friend on the 9th May, I am having inquiries made. I hope a decision will be arrived at very shortly.