Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the joiners employed fitting up the offices at Keyham dockyard are being paid at the rate of 28s. per week instead of at the proper rate of 31s. 6d.; and whether he will give instructions that these men must be paid at the proper rate, and that they be paid the difference between 28s. and 31s. 6d. for the number of weeks they have been paid at the former rate?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe rating of joiner does not exist in the Works Department. It was found necessary, in order to complete certain work at Keyham this financial year, to arrange for more carpenters to be temporarily employed. In preference to entering new men, carpenters then employed as labourers at 21s. per week were transferred at the rate of 28s. per week. This arrangement is purely temporary, and will not extend after 10th April.