§ 51. Mr. SWANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that employers who had guaranteed to allow the difference between military pay and the wages when the men enlisted are now reducing their allowances by the amount of the increase in military pay dating from 1st February last, thus absorbing the payments from the Crown which were intended for the men and their families to meet the increased cost of living; and whether steps will be taken to prevent employers from taking this course?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Wardle)I have been asked to answer this question. No cases of the kind mentioned have been brought to the notice of the Department. The allowances given by employers to men who enlisted were voluntary payments, and the question of the continuance or alteration of these allowances is not a matter in regard to which I have authority to interfere.