§ 63. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the system of imposing fines for late attendances in force in the Royal Ordnance Factory, Woolwich; and whether, seeing that this practice if enforced in private concerns would be illegal, he will take steps to stop it in the case referred to?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Sanders)The hon. Member is mistaken in using the word "fines." It is simply a case of paying a man for the time he works in accordance with the terms of his employment. Late arrival at work, if beyond a certain period of grace, may result in an employé receiving less pay in proportion than if he had been at work from the regulated hour. The clerks concerned receive pay for overtime. This system works satisfactorily, and I do not propose to disturb it.
§ Mr. BROWNCould not the Minister apply precisely the same method of dealing with late attendance as that which exists in all other Departments?
§ Mr. SANDERSI should require notice of that question, but attention has been given to the system, and we find it much more merciful and effective than docking a man of his increment or discharging him.