§ 51. Mr. BARNESasked the reason why naval ratings were sent from the Tyne on His Majesty ship "Monarch" to do the work which should have been done by the contractors' engineers; and what payment was made, if any, by the contractors to the Admiralty for the services rendered?
§ 52. Mr. HUDSONasked why naval ratings were put on to do the work of the contractors' men in the case of His Majesty's ship "Monarch" running her final acceptance trials?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The services of naval ratings, who were already drafted to the "Monarch" for the purpose of navigating her, were utilised for the acceptance trial, this trial being carried out on 522 passage to Devonport. This course was adopted with a view to economising coal during the coal strike. If the ordinary procedure had been followed, the vessel would have carried out the trial off the mouth of the Tyne, and returned to discharge contractors' workmen. A suitable rebate on the contract price was allowed by the contractors.
§ Mr. HUDSONIs it not a fact that there was a dispute on between the contractor and the men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware of that. It was done because of a desire to exercise expedition in the circumstances.
§ Mr. HUDSONWould the right hon. Gentleman inquire into my question?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the naval ratings receive any extra pay for this work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn any case the stokers who fired would be on naval ratings. The only naval ratings who took the place of the men for the purposes I have stated were those to mind the engines.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKETo what purpose does the right hon. Gentleman propose to apply the money that should have gone to the men that ought to have done the work?
§ Mr. HUDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the circumstances I have mentioned?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy suggestion is there was a dispute in the coal trade at the time, and in consequence of that dispute we used naval ratings instead of contractors' men.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAm I not entitled, Mr. Speaker, to an answer to my question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not expect an answer to every supplementary question. He must put his question down.
§ Mr. BARNESWas the naval rating pay equivalent to the amount paid by the contractor to the men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should say, offhand, no. I shall look into the matter and in that way find the answer for which the hon. Gentleman opposite is so anxious.