HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 cc1616-7
58. Mr. BARNES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to give an assurance that the stonemasons at Rosyth are all working in accordance with the conditions as to hours and wages agreed to between the employers and employed associations?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the masons employed by Messrs. Thorburn, in regard to whom he put a previous question on the 16th May last. Fifteen stonemasons have been permitted at their own request, made on account of the times of the trains running to their homes, to work fifty-five hours per week instead of fifty. They receive payment for these fifty-five hours at the ordinary time rates.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Do we understand, therefore, that by these means the contractors evades the responsibility of paying extra?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, the matter is one of some doubt. This is under the old Fair-Wages Resolution, and is a contract that was signed before the March Resolution, 1909. These fifteen men live at a distance from their work, and they asked to be allowed to go on with some work while waiting for the train. They were therefore paid at the time rate. I am seeking advice, as the matter is one of doubt.

Mr. BARNES

Have any negotiations taken place with the union, and has the arrangement been made with their consent?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That I cannot say. But the men, instead of hanging about for the train, asked permission to work. I am not prepared at the present moment to say quite how the matter of the pay stands.

Mr. PETO

Are we to understand that it is seriously contemplated taking away all liberty of individual action?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My answer conveyed no meaning of that sort.

Mr. BARNES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this evasion has been carried out in spite of the protest of the trade union for the last three or four months?

Dr. MACNAMARA

If my hon. Friend will give me the case I shall be glad. I have no information upon that point.

61. Mr. FELL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state how much has been spent on new dockyard construction by the Governments of this country and of Germany during the past ten years?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The information asked for by the hon. Member is being prepared by the Department but is not yet available; and I must ask him to postpone his question for a week.

63. Sir JOHN SPEAR

asked whether or not the carpenters and the shipwrights of the Royal Navy are to be considered for a rise of pay, out of the £60,000 provided in the Estimates last week?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The reply is in the negative.