§ 14. Lord C. BERESFORDasked whether there is a dispute between the Admiralty and the men of the engineering trades employed in Portsmouth dockyard; whether the men of these trades have refused to work overtime or on night shifts until their requests for improved rates of pay have been conceded; whether the skilled and unskilled labourers attached to these trades have refused to work with non-society men; and, if so, whether he will now form a Committee of Inquiry to investigate and clear up the whole matter?
Mr. LAMBERTA certain number of men of the engineering trades employed in Portsmouth yard have declined to work overtime or day and night shifts, until replies are received to their petitions for increases of pay. The whole question of the rates of pay of dockyard workmen is now under the consideration of the Admiralty, and it is not considered necessary to form a Committee of Inquiry on the matter.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is not the fact that the men have a grievance, that their pay in the dockyards, including privileges, is nothing comparable with what they could get outside for a similar class of work, and the rate for provisions has increased enormously?
Mr. LAMBERTI do not think I can add anything to the last part of my answer. The whole question is under the consideration of the Admiralty.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWhen will the matter be reported upon?