§ 29. Mr. HICKSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the reasons for the present suspensions of employés at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, in batches of between 200 and 300, one week in three or one week in four; and whether by such suspensions the wages of the employés are being reduced by 20 to 25 per cent.?
§ Mr. COOPERThe present suspensions, which are at varying intervals, about half being for one week in five, have been authorised as a purely temporary expedient, as an alternative to further discharges, owing to a temporary shortage of sufficient work to keep the men continuously occupied. Every effort is being made to keep the suspensions within the narrowest limits, and I hope that the necessity for them will disappear shortly; but this will of course depend on work being available. The total earnings of the employés are naturally reduced by the periods of suspension.
§ Mr. HICKSDoes not the Financial Secretary think that, in spirit at any rate, the minimum wage should be paid by the War Office?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HICKSWill the Financial Secretary give us any idea when he thinks they will be running at full time again?
§ Mr. COOPERI think that it would be unwise to do so, but I hope it will be within two or three months. I cannot say anything more definite than that.