§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that ship-riggers in His Majesty's 3209W dockyards are in receipt of wages amounting only to 35s. per week, whereas the maximum rate of wages for skilled labourers is 37s.; and whether he can see his way to bring the wages of the riggers up to the maximum of the skilled labourers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are as stated in my hon. Friend's question, subject to this qualification: The maximum rate of 37s. is not available for skilled labourers as a class, but only for those who are qualified to perform special classes of work, such as riveting, iron-caulking, or other class of operative work. Further, in both cases the rates stated are at present increased by war advances. The permanent wages of the riggers were advanced from 30s. 6d. to 35s. a week on 2nd September, 1917, and no further change in the permanent rate is at present contemplated.