§ Mr. OWEN PHILIPPSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the fitters employed in Pembroke Dockyard have received what is commonly known as the Forwood percentage rise during the last three years, and how many received it during the previous three years under the late Government; and, if a smaller proportion of men have recently received a percentage rise than in the past, whether he will give instructions for the inequality to be rectified?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe phrase in this question "Forwood percentage rise" is understood to refer to what is otherwise commonly known as the "November rises," under which workmen are promoted by the Admiralty from a lower to a higher rate of pay in their respective classes as a reward for special skill, industry, and attention to duty.
1505W
The number of fitters employed in Pembroke Dockyard who have received these increases during the last three years is 13 i.e., 10.6 per cent, of the number borne.
The number who received: them during the previous three years under the late Government is 15 i.e., 11.1 per cent, of the number borne. Since November, 1906, however, the powers conferred upon the local Yard officers to grant increases of pay without reference to the Admiralty have been largely increased, and this naturally tends to reduce the number of special cases which require to be dealt with by the Admiralty. In this respect it may be observed that:—
The number of fitters in Pembroke Yard granted increases of pay under local authority during the last three years is 99 i.e., 81.1 per cent, of the number borne. The number granted increases under local authority during the previous three years under the late Government is only 15 i.e., 11.1 per cent, of the number borne. With the above figures in view it is not considered necessary to issue any further instructions to the Yard on this matter.