HC Deb 21 March 1929 vol 226 cc1857-8
69. Mr. KELLY

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of rate fixers employed in the explosives section of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

Nine, Sir.

Mr. KELLY

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it either wise or even humane to have rate fixers fixing piecework prices for the handling of explosives?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Yes, as long as they do their work fairly.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the explosions which have occurred in the danger section of Woolwich Arsenal and other places, does the right hon. Gentleman think it wise to continue this method?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Certainly. As long as the wage is fixed fairly, it is the greatest protection to the worker.