§ 6. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the partial restoration in title cut made in salaries is 309 to be applied to Government employés in Malta Dockyard or, if not, on what grounds is it to be withheld?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)The decision to restore in part certain reductions in the remuneration of salaried and industrial employés in home establishments does not apply to locally entered employés in Malta Dockyard. The reductions in the rates of bonus of these local entrants in the autumn of 1931 were solely due to and related to the fall in their cost of living that had occurred between 1924 and the 1st January, 1931, and were in no sense an economy cut. Subsequent reports to date show that the cost of living of local entrants at Malta has still further declined since 1931 and we would not be justified in increasing their present remuneration.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDo we understand from the reply that the cuts that took place in 1931 in Malta had no relation to the 10 per cent. cut generally imposed?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSDo I understand that the cuts in Malta were made by the late Socialist Government?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWere they not made by the present Government for the reasons which the hon. Gentleman gave?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn view of the fact that the wages paid to the Maltese employés, who are very good workmen, are so low, does not the hon. Gentleman think it is time that they were paid a little more?