HC Deb 15 February 1887 vol 310 cc1562-3
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been drawn to the following Letter in The Western Daily Mercury of the 14th instant, relating to the collection of subscriptions to the Imperial Institute:— The Jubilee and Dockyard Constraint. Sir,—Whatever may be said in favour of Admiral Grant's action in the Dockyard, many of us feel that we are constrained to act in a way with which we have no sympathy. It may be wrong, but we cannot help the impression that if anyone refuses to contribute he will be at once a marked man. … There are hundreds in the yards who have no sympathy with the movement. Then why should they be marked men if they act up to their convictions? (Signed) A GRUDGING GIVER. Devonport, Feb. 12. Whether it is the fact that the leading men of the Dockyards have been furnished with collecting cards; whether such collecting cards have written upon them the names of all the men employed under such leading men; whether the names of those who subscribe are marked off on such cards and the amount subscribed written against each name, and the cards then returned to the head officials; and, whether he will issue instructions to the Military and Naval authorities at all our Dockyards, directing that the canvassing of the employés shall be discontinued?

THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)

There is no truth whatever in the allegations that any pressure or influence has been brought to bear upon the employés of the Dockyard at Devonport to contribute towards the Imperial Institute. The Admiral Superintendent informs me that an open meeting of the workmen was held last night; that the workmen, by a large majority, decided to contribute to the Imperial Institute; and that all arrangements connected with such contributions are in their hands and under their control.

MR. ILLINGWORTH (Bradford, W.)

thought officers of high position should not interfere with the employés of the Dockyards in this matter, as it would deprive their action of all spontaneity.

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

said, he saw no reason whatever for interfering with the action of the Admiral Superintendent. He merely gave the opportunity to the Dockyard employés to decide whether they should subscribe to the Institute or not.