§ Mr. FIELDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends this year to further advance the rate of wages paid to labourers employed in the Army Ordnance Department, Dublin; whether he is aware that recently a labourer resigned because he was refused leave without pay granted weekly for the purpose of filling a second post through which he earned a second man's wages to enable him to live; and if he is aware that the minimum rate for labourers employed by the corporation of Dublin is 25s. a week?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe rate of wages paid to labourers in the Army Ordnance Department, Dublin, was raised by 2s. in 1906. I have no information to show that any further advance is called for. No report as to the second part of the hon. Member's question has reached the War Office; it is a matter for the decision of the local officers. The information in my possession as to the wages paid by the Dublin Corporation does not altogether agree with the statement that 25s. is the minimum rate.
§ Major ADAMasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state whether a number of men employed in the Army Ordnance Department and the Equipment and Stores Inspection Department, with less than six months' service, have received less than the minimum wage of 23s. a week, laid down by the Army Council, their pay having been stopped for the half-day on the occasion of the recent Parliamentary election, and also for Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday: and, if so, whether, in view of the hardship entailed on these men by a compulsory cessation of work, he will take steps to have them paid up to the amount of the official minimum?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe hon. and gallant Member is correct in believing that a certain number of employés received recently less than 23s. a week in the circumstances detailed. The question is at present receiving my attention, and I will communicate with him on the matter.