§ 14. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a notice was posted recently in the boilermakers' shop, His Majesty's Dockyard, Chatham, inviting labourers who had any idea of bricklaying to hand in their names with a view to proceeding to Invergordon, Scotland, to take up work as bricklayers; whether this was done without first trying to obtain skilled bricklayers either through the Labour Exchange or the Operative Bricklayers' Society: whether the action was taken with the knowledge and consent of the Admiralty: and whether, in regard to future action of this sort, he will consult with the responsible and recognised trade union, which has no desire to infringe service regulations or to hamper Government work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiral-Superintendent, Chatham, was requested by the Admiralty to select a skilled labourer experienced in bricklaying work for service at Invergordon in place of another skilled labourer similarly experienced who was returning to his home at Chatham. The particular work for which he was required did not necessitate the services or degree of skill of a fully qualified bricklayer, it being customary in the dockyard service to employ both skilled labourers and bricklayers in connection with the class of work concerned.