§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there is any intention to grant an increase of pay to labourers and skilled labourers in the Director of Works Department at Devonport; whether he is aware that many men with long service are employed in the Department at the lowest rate of pay, not receiving the maximum rate of 37s. a week; and, having regard to the fact of the discontent arising there from, will steps be taken to rectify such a state of things?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe unskilled labourers' wage is 24s. a week. The skilled labourers' wage ranges from 25s. to 37s. a week. In addition, war increases amounting to 20s. a week, as well as the 12½ per cent. payable to plain time workers, are paid to the unskilled labourers and skilled labourers in question. The greatest care has recently been given to a revision of the skilled labourers' wages, and it is not considered that there is any just ground for the discontent referred to in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.