56. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the thirty-two men entered as drillers and riveters at Portsmouth dockyard during the week ending 21st June, are being paid from 7s. to 15s. per week less than the district rate; and whether he will take steps with the object of paying these men at the same rate they would be paid at if working for a private employer?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Drilling and riveting in the dockyards, as my hon. Friend is aware, is performed by skilled labourers. The probationary minimum for these men is 23s. a week, the ordinary minimum 24s., and the ordinary maximum 28s. There are special rates above this up to 31s. a week. The execution of this class of work by skilled labourers gives an opening for advancement to the ordinary labourer and ensures a greater measure of continuity of employment than would otherwise be possible.
Mr. TYSON WILSONIf a man reaches his maximum and then is discharged and is taken on again a few months later and put on the same work, is he not put back to the minimum?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf my hon. Friend will give me a case where that has occurred, I will look into it.
§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEDo private firms employ skilled labour at unskilled rates?
Mr. TYSON WILSONCannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to adopt the practice which prevails in private yards in this respect, and engage these men as drillers and riveters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo. The present plan is more beneficial both to the men and the Department. It secures more regularity of employment.