§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the rate of wages paid to labourers in Portsmouth town is 6½d. an hour, but that hired labourers in Portsmouth dockyard are only paid 5¾d. an hour; and, if so, whether the Admiralty will grant an increase of pay to these men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe rate of wages for labourers in the Portsmouth yard is to be increased to 24s. for a 48-hour week; and this increase is to be paid back to 1st October last. The rate of 24s. a week will be the lowest rate paid to any adult workman in the dockyard, and it is believed that this minimum rate will compare not unfavourably with the general level of wages for unskilled labourers in the neighbourhood, particularly when the other advantages of employment in the dockyards are considered.