HC Deb 19 July 1912 vol 41 cc696-7W
Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office to compensate the labourer of the name of Hodges, of Portsmouth, who was recently discharged at the age limit but who some time ago received serious injuries and received medical treatment in consequence and was medically examined prior to his discharge?

Colonel SEELY

This case is now the subject of inquiry.

Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that at Portsmouth workmen employed in confined spaces, such as cleaning inside boilers and buoys, receive no extra payment when the work is done on land; and whether he will take steps to have this work paid for at the same rate as similar work performed away from land?

Colonel SEELY

I will make inquiries, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know the result in due course.

Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that workmen on being discharged at the age limit have to wait for months before receiving their gratuities; and whether he can have these payments expedited?

Colonel SEELY

Every endeavour is made by the War Office to ensure the payment of workmen's gratuities as soon after their discharge as possible. The cases have, after discharge, to be recommended, with complete statements of their service, to the Treasury, and only in rare cases is there much delay.

Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any reply has been forwarded to the Portsmouth Government Labourers' Union's letter of 21st February last relative to wages paid to civilian subordinates, vide paragraph 21 of the Regulations for Civilian Subordinates, Army Ordnance Department, or whether the subject matter of their letter is still under consideration?

Colonel SEELY

The subject is still under consideration.

Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men employed at the Gun Wharf, Portsmouth, who received an increase of 1s. per week as from the 1st April, 1911, seventeen in number, are not participating in the readjustment of wages consequent upon the coming into operation of the National Insurance Act; and whether he will have uniform treatment meted out?

Colonel SEELY

I am not aware of this, and I will make inquiries, and I will see that uniform treatment is meted out.