HC Deb 30 March 1910 vol 15 cc1293-4
Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether it was proposed to shortly ask for tenders for the contemplated dry dock at Portsmouth; and, if so, whether the contractors would be asked to pay the minimum rate of 6d. per hour, as agreed to between the local contractors and the workmen's trade unions?

Mr. McKENNA

It was not possible to invite tenders for the dry dock at Portsmouth and terms for its execution have been arranged with the contractors for the new lock on the general basis of their existing contract. The rates of wages most therefore be governed by the existing contract; but such work as the Admiralty find to be of a nature that entitles the men to the 6d. an hour rate will be paid for at that rate, as was arranged under the existing contract after investigation with my hon. Friend's assistance last, year.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the sixpenny rate applies if the clause of the contract is in accordance with the Resolution of the House to the whole of the workmen employed on these works?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not think I can go further than to say that the arrangement arrived at after my hon. Friend visited Portsmouth will be adhered to in the case of the new dock.

Mr. JOHN WARD

That was only a promise which I agreed to under the special circumstances of the case.

Mr. McKENNA

The special circumstances are the identical circumstances of the case of the new dock, because the contract for the new dock is amalgamated with the contract for the old dock.

Mr. FALLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the contractors that they should first of all employ the local men at Portsmouth?

Earl WINTERTON

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in questions of this kind it is usual to base the question whether the contract is carried out or not upon an agreement with a private Member of this House?

Mr. McKENNA

It was not based upon any agreement with a private Member. A question arose as to whether work done by certain men was work which ought properly to be paid for at the rate of 6d. per hour, and my hon. Friend was good enough to go down to Portsmouth to investigate the matter on the spot. A representative of the contractor was present and agreed to the representations made by my hon. Friend that the work was of a kind which might properly be paid for at the rate of 6d. per hour, and that has been carried into effect.