§ 22. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a large number of shipwrights have left Devonport Dockyard during the last two months; and can he give the number, and say for what reason the men have left?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASince the 13th May, twenty-one shipwrights have left Devonport Dockyard for the following reasons:—Fourteen at their own request, two have been pensioned, two invalided, one transferred to Pembroke, one discharged en account of being a deserter, one discharged for losing time. Further, three shipwrights have died during the period in question. The total number of shipwrights engaged in the yard during the two months is, on an average, about 2,300.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently an advertisement was issued by the Labour Exchange for shipwrights for the dockyard?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt may be so; there is a good deal of demand for shipwrights in private yards as well?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Member aware these shipwrights left because the dockyard wages were so low?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI said fourteen had left at their own request. I was not asked the reason why. No doubt the hon. Member will have an opportunity to raise this question later on.
§ Sir KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman obtain the reason?