§ Mr. JOHN WARDI should like to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether the attention of the Admiralty has been drawn to the action of the contractors for the naval base at Rosyth dismissing on Saturday last a large number of the members of the Navvies' Union for the part they were alleged to have taken in the recent strike, which is contrary to the agreement entered into between the contractors and the men's leaders on 8th October; and whether, in view of the effect that any further labour troubles would have upon the time occu- 792 pied for the completion of the work, he will take action to see that the agreement entered into between the contractors and their workmen are duly observed, and that members of trade unions are not victimised?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question only reached me since Questions began, and this is the first I have heard of the matter. This is the undertaking given by the firm, Messrs, Easton Gibb and Son. I will read it:—
To facilitate an early resumption of work, we authorise Mr. John Ward to say that every man, as the work permits, can return to the position he occupied prior to the strike, any that no workmen, of any description, in our employment at the time of the strike shall be victimised or injured in any way for any part that they have taken in the strike.I confess I shall be surprised to learn that Messrs. Easton Gibb have knowingly gone back on that undertaking. Of course, we wish the prompt progress of the work. Subject to that, and our contractual obligations, we are not anxious to intervene unduly between contractors and their employés. But this is a case in which I think I could properly make inquiry.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman make those inquiries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, I have already said it is a case in which I ought to make inquiries.