Mr. DUNCANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dispute and stoppage of labour of women workers at the Northern Command boot depot at present under the management of Major Buffham; whether he is aware that the union with which the women were connected have sent in a request for an increase of wages and that such request has been completely ignored; that the women were informed that a system of piece-work was to be introduced without in any way giving the workpeople any opportunity either of knowing the prices fixed or giving them any opportunity of considering them; whether he is aware that all overtures and suggestions for the avoidance of a dispute have been absolutely refused and the request and desires of the workpeople completely ignored; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter with a view to ending the autocracy now being exercised and see that someone with business ability is 53W placed in charge of these factories, so that the present dispute may be ended and good will be once more established?
§ Mr. FORSTERI understand that some of the workpeople employed at the factory have stayed away-from work. Certain piece-work rates are under trial. If they are proved by experience to be insufficient, they will be adjusted.