HC Deb 03 March 1919 vol 113 cc63-4W
Mr. T. WILSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he is aware that when the foremen at the national shipyard No. 2, Beachley, were engaged, one of the conditions was that those who were compelled to live away from their homes should be paid 9s. per week in addition to their wages, and that this was paid for one week and then, without giving the men notice, it was stopped; and if he will lake steps to resume the payment of this allowance?

Colonel L. WILSON

All workmen on construction are paid and taken on in accordance with Clause 7 of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Building Trade Joint Council code of working rules, dated from the 1st November, 1918. Workmen compelled to live away from their homes are paid 9s. per week subsistence allowance in addition to their wages. These workmen are generally paid at a rate of so much per hour. The arrangement under which the subsistence allowance referred to is paid to workmen at the national shipyards does not apply to foremen, who are, as a general rule, paid what is called an up-standing rate, that is, an inclusive rate of so much per week. If in any case foremen have been paid this allowance for the first week the payment must have been made in error.