§ 43. Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the claim for an advance of 2d. per hour to the present rate of 7¾d. per hour has been rejected by the War Office when applied for on behalf of the employés working for the Army Ordnance Department at Gloucester; whether the request of the workpeople for their claim to be submitted to arbitration has also been rejected; and, if so, will he give instructions for the matter to be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Munitions of War Acts?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)Yes, Sir. According to my information the rate paid is consonant with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. I understand that an arbitration is about to take place as to the wages of men employed by the Munitions Department in the same locality, and I am awaiting the result before taking further steps.