§ 73. Sir K. WOODasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the rate at which saddlers at Woolwich Dockyard are working 47 hours a week, namely, 1s. 1½d. per hour, is the official trades union rate?
§ Mr. LAWSONNo, Sir, the 53s. a week which these men now receive is a rate applicable to the workmen of Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard as a whole.
§ Sir K. WOODIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dispute on this matter? Has he received any representations concerning it?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am not aware that there is any dispute on the matter at all. As a matter of fact the Secretary for War and I received a deputation representing the whole of the men in the Department. I understand this matter has never been questioned.