§ 20. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the National Union of Gas workers and General Labourers sent a communication in February to Mr. Oliver, the naval store officer at Devonport Dockyard, on behalf of the coaling gang, complaining of dangers the workmen are subjected to in the route they have to take to reach their place of employment; if he is aware that the naval store officer stated that he was unable to do more to safeguard the men; and whether, in view of repeated complaints, he will order some arrangements to be made to remove the danger?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI understand that stevedores at work on ships discharging cargo in the stream have to proceed from 904 the wharfside down an ordinary ladder resting on a lighter at an angle, in order to get on board the tug conveying them to their ships. As these men have to climb up and down ships' sides by means of a Jacob's ladder, and up and down straight ladders fixed in holds of the ships, I really think the risk run adds little, if anything, to that to which they are thoroughly accustomed. The matter was fully gone into some time ago, and the conclusion arrived at was that no change-of route could be made without detriment and additional risk. No further complaint has been since received.