§ Mr. Hobsonasked the Secretary of State for War why all piecework prices are being reduced at R.E.M.E. dep6t, Ashford, previously R.A.S.C., Feltham, without previous negotiations with the respective trade unions.
§ Mr. BellengerThe War Office has never had any intention of reducing piecework prices at Ashford without prior consultations with the trade unions. In fact early in December the Commanding Officer of the Depôt, acting on instructions from the War Office, asked the local trade union officials to meet him for the purpose of discussing possible reductions in piecework rates, and a meeting on the subject has been arranged for today. It is possible that misunderstanding may have been caused in the Depôt by the fact that the Commanding Officer notified the men of possible changes in piecework rates by placing an appropriate notice on the notice-board. This may have been misinterpreted as indicating that consultations would not be held with the trade unions.