§ 3. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the case of leather hose-makers was considered when the answers to the last petitions were given; and, if so, can he say what wage these men received when the last concession was made to them, and how their position compares with other mechanics in His Majesty's dockyard?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe case of the leather hose-makers was considered, and a reply was given on page 54 of the Printed Replies to Petitions, dated 23rd February, refusing an increase. Until 1908 these men were classified as skilled labourers. In that year it was approved to put them in a separate class on the then maximum rate for skilled labourers—namely, 28s. a week for hired men. Later, special rates up to 30s. were approved, and in 1912 the maximum special rate was made 31s. No advance has been approved since 1912.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHow many men are there on the 31s. rate?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn all the yards? I cannot say off-hand.
§ 4. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has recently received a deputation from the skilled labourers in His Majesty's dockyards; and, if so, will he give the House some indication of the reply given to the deputation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI received a deputation on 27th February, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness, representing the views of labourers and skilled labourers in His Majesty's dockyards at Portsmouth, Devonport, Chatham, and Pembroke Dock, and the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford. They asked for larger increases in time rates than those announced to the House on the 16th February, and also raised the question of the overtime scale. I stated that their representations would receive the careful consideration of the Board, and reminded the members that, as stated by 1410 the Prime Minister on 25th February, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness, the question of an increase in wages to Government workmen in consideration of the rise in prices in the present emergency is receiving the attention of the Government, who are taking the advice of the Arbitration Committee, whose appointment was announced on Monday last, the 22nd February.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWas there any statement in regard to the minimum rate of labourers in the dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhat was said was that there should be an increase. I said that. They asked for a large increase in the time rate, particularly that we should not confine ourselves to the minimum, but give concessions all the way through the scale.
§ 8. Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if the inquiry promised last June in regard to the wage and other conditions of labour at Gibraltar has yet been instituted, and, if so, with what result; and if recent increases of wages given in Home dockyards will also be given to Gibraltar workmen?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Annual Petitions regarding the wages and conditions of labour in His Majesty's Dockyard, Gibraltar, were received at the Admiralty on the 22nd ultimo, but there has not yet been time to deal with the various questions raised in them. The matter will be dealt with as quickly as possible. The recent increases in wages given in the Home dockyards will not be applicable to workmen at Gibraltar.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOh, I cannot say.
§ Mr. BARNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increase of price has been even more marked out there than in the Home dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI could not say off-hand what the facts may be. I know there have been increases in price.
§ Mr. BARNESAnd that rents have in creased out there even more than at home?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say. I will take careful note of what my hon. Friend says, but can give no undertaking.