18. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the carpenters and joiners employed by the Southern Command of the Royal Engineers at Weymouth are only being paid at the rate of 10d. per hour, the rate of the district being 1s. 1d. 3333 per hour, and that the Chief Engineer, Southern Command, refuses to pay the rate current in the district; and whether he will give instructions to the Southern Command to pay the men concerned the rate current in the district, with the arrears of pay due to them?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I understand that there is a local difference as to the district rate, which is under investigation. As soon as the position is clear, any necessary authority will be issued.
Mr. WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions that where it is quite clear that the wages are a certain amount the Engineers will be paid at that rate? Is he aware that this point is arising all over the country?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs soon as it is established what the district rate is arrangements will be made that it shall be paid.
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not know.