§ Mr. SNELLasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the decision arrived at in regard to an increase in wages in Woolwich Arsenal, consideration has been given to the claim of the skilled workers; is he aware that strong dissatisfaction calculated to have serious results exists; and whether he will receive without delay further representations on this matter?
§ Mr. WALSHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the latter part, I received a deputation on the subject on Wednesday.
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the circumstances attending the case of George A. Laing, who entered Woolwich Arsenal as a lad in 1887, worked satisfactorily for many years, was promoted to assistant foreman, and after 34 years' service was summarily dismissed?
§ Mr. WALSHI have inquired into this case. Mr. Laing's post of head telephonist was abolished in 1916 when the control of the Royal Arsenal Telephone Exchange was taken over by the Post Office authorities. In view of the length of his service, Mr. Laing was given alternative employment as a storeholder, and later as a clerk, but I regret that the time came when it was not possible,1796W in view of the large reductions of establishment, to retain him further. His case was very carefully considered at the time, and due notice was given to him prior to his discharge in July, 1922. He was awarded a gratuity of £147 17s. 4d.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will give reconsideration to the case of Tom James, now discharged, who joined the Artillery College, Woolwich, on 17th January, 1917, under the provisions of paragraph 2 (b) of the Regulations for Civilian Subordinates and was subsequently transferred, on 4th July, 1921, to C. 1 A.B., having served the longest on the present clerical staff at headquarters and arsenal, and certified as having an excellent character and of very good ability?
§ Mr. LAWSONMr. James was engaged in January, 1917, and was transferred from the College Headquarters to the Arsenal branch in July, 1921, because of his un-suitability for the work required. In 1923 a reduction of staff was necessary, and regard being had to the standard of efficiency required of the reduced staff, Mr. James was one of those selected for discharge. I do not see that there was any alternative to this course, and I fear that there is no ground for re-opening the matter.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the War Office is prepared to give support to the proposal to award gratuities in cases of employés at Woolwich Arsenal who have served there for upwards of 20 years and were then discharged on reduction but re-employed and subsequently compelled to relinquish the appointment for substantial reasons?
§ Mr. LAWSONI am not aware of the proposal to which the hon. Member refers, but the conditions under which gratuities are awarded are laid down for the Government service generally by the Superannuation Acts. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and will furnish me with details of it, I will give him any information that I can on the subject.