§ Mr. GOULDINGasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Elizabeth O'Brien at the Westminster police-court on Monday, when it was alleged that she was paid ¼d. per pair for putting footstraps on cavalry overalls, which took nearly half an hour to do; that the price to make right out a pair of riding breeches for the Territorials was 8d.; whether those rates are permitted by the War Office?
§ Mr. ALDENasked the Secretary ot State for War, if he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Elizabeth O'Brien, a widow, who attempted to commit suicide because unable to earn a sufficient livelihood while working for the Police and Army contractors, Dolan and Company; whether he is satisfied that Messrs. Dolan and Company were paying standard rates of wages in the finishing of soldiers' uniforms; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe firm by whom Mrs. O'Brien is stated to have been employed were removed from the list of Army contractors some years ago, and have not since received War Office orders. In all War Office contracts for clothing a minimum wage for the women workers is now prescribed.