MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that the men employed at Haulbowline receive lower wages than those engaged in similar work in Great Britain, he will equalise the pay of these employees; and whether he can arrange that more work be given to Haulbowline, and that it will be done by the Directors of Works Department, and not by contractors who pay still lower wages and carry the men to and from their work in old and inferior boats?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMI RALTY (Mr. W. E. MACARTNEY,) Antrim, S.The assumption in the first paragraph of the honourable Member's Question is not admitted. There is no intention, therefore, of altering the rates of pay at Haulbowline, which compare favourably with those paid in other Dockyards. I am glad to say that the work carried out at Haulbowline has been considerably extended of late, and if the necessities of the service require it the capacity of the yard will be fully considered. The work of the 662 Director of Works Department will be carried out by the Department or by contract, as is most convenient, and I may remind the honourable Member that the Fair Wages Clause is inserted in all contracts.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)Will the honourable Gentleman answer the last paragraph; will the suggestion there made be carried into effect?
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