HC Deb 23 April 1940 vol 360 cc18-9
39. Dr. Little

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the labourers in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Department, Kinnegar, Holywood, County Down, who are ex-Servicemen, have received only 1s. per week increase in wages since the outbreak of war; and whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will consider the case of these men engaged in necessary work, and allow them a bonus similar to that given to Royal Army Ordnance Corps workers employed in Great Britain?

Mr. Stanley

Labourers employed in the Ordnance Depot at Kinnegar have, in common with similar employés in the majority of Ordnance Depots in Great Britain, been granted an increase of 4s. a week as from the beginning of the pay week in which 22nd February fell. Instructions to this effect were issued on 5th April.

Dr. Little

Can my right hon. Friend say the date on which the bonus of 4s. was granted? I have had a letter from a representative of these labourers stating that they, have received only 1s. a week since the beginning of the war.

Mr. Stanley

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will send me the case. My information is that instructions were issued on 5th April and that payments were back dated to 22nd February.