§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the men employed in the Works Department of the Royal Dockyards are neither eligible for establishment nor pension; if so, whether he would explain to the House on what grounds the Government withholds from these men the privileges as to establishment and pension enjoyed by the other departments in the Royal Dockyards; what meaning does the Government attach to the word temporary as applied to the employment of men in the Works Department of the Royal Dockyards; and what length of service, if any, constitutes a permanent hand?
§ Mr. McKENNAAll workmen in the Works Department except a few lent from other departments, are temporary or hired men, and therefore not eligible for establishment or pension. The character of the works under the control of the Department does not warrant a permanent staff of workmen as is required in other departments. Their work can be regulated whilst that of the Works Department constantly fluctuates, and workmen are only employed and discharged in the localities as the necessity arises for carrying out the works authorised. The word "temporary" means workmen who are engaged and discharged as the necessities of the works require. I do not understand the meaning of the phrase used in the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these temporary men have been employed for twenty years and are still called temporary men?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe always endeavour to employ men as long as possible, and we regard as some claim upon us the fact that a man has been employed in the past. We cannot undertake to employ men in the Works Department unless there is work for them to do.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell us the difference between a temporary hand and a permanent hand?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe do not use that term "permanent hand." It is one used by the hon. Member and he must explain to the House what he means.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain the meaning of the words "temporary hand?"
§ Mr. McKENNAI have already done so.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAm I in order in doing that?
§ Mr. FLAVINThis is not a debating school.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could inform the House when the Government expects to be in a position to publish their statement of the conclusion come to in respect of the recommendations made by the Committee appointed to inquire into the organisation and conditions of service of the writing staff at the Royal Dockyards.
§ Mr. McKENNAI regret that I am unable yet to give any date for the publication of the decisions with regard to its recommendations.