§ 1. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the reason why the repeated requests of the skilled and ordinary labourers employed in the dockyards for an interview on the subject of their wages and conditions of labour have been refused; whether he is aware that three applications have been made within the last few months and have all been refused; and whether a deputation will be received from the men who form the greatest number employed in the dockyards?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Petitions couched in identical terms were received from each of the dockyards from the labourers and skilled labourers. I gave a very great deal of time to the consideration of these petitions, and at each of the yards I heard the men's representatives at great length. For instance, at each of the three large yards, if I remember rightly, I devoted something like three hours to hearing their case. I may further state that a skilled labourer 1595 formed a member of a deputation which I received at the House of Commons on the 1st April. All the facts in connection with the case of the skilled and ordinary labourers having thus been placed before the Board in the fullest possible manner, I did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by the proposed further deputation.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANWhy is a distinction made between receiving representatives from the skilled trade unions and the labourers employed in the dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is no distinction whatever.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWhen may the labourers expect to receive an answer to their deputation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt will be issued without delay. As far as wages are concerned, generally speaking, the matter has been settled.