§ 75. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that there has been a rearrangement of the working hours at the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills, which rearrangement was introduced on the understanding with the workpeople concerned that the new scheme should be subject to a month's trial and if, after this trial period had expired, the workeople were not satisfied with the change, then the old hours of labour would be reverted to; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed by the workpeople, who desire to go back to the former arrangement; and whether he will make inquriy into this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)After consultation with representatives of the workpeople, concerned, a new arrangement of shift hours was tentatively introduced with effect from 1st July, 1918, on the understanding that if after a month's trial they wished to suggest any alternative arrangement that would give the same number of productive hours each week at no greater expense, the matter would be reconsidered. As no such alternative has been suggested, the new arrangement, which is much less costly than the former, and appears to involve no loss of earnings, is being continued; but the offer to consider an alternative suggestion still remains open. Reversion to the former hours, if the workpeople were dissatisfied after the month's experience of the new system, was not promised.