Mr. POINTERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received complaints from trade unions in Sheffield that certain firms doing Admiralty work are employing labour at rates varying from 2s. to 11s. below the recognised standard of the district; and whether he has already made, or intends to make, full inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAA complaint has been received and a communication has been addressed to the complainant asking for further information. Until that information is received, it is impracticable to make any statement in regard to investigation, but the fullest consideration shall be given to all particulars that may be laid before me.
Mr. POINTERMay I ask whether, in the event of a dispute as to interpretation of the conditions governing the joiners in these firms, due facility will be given to the men's representatives to lay their case before the Admiralty?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir. It was in fact the representatives of the men who were asked to give the further information to which I have referred in my reply.