§ 6. Mr. WILKIEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the discontent existing among the workmen employed at Invergordon in consequence of the withdrawal of the privileges winch have existed for some considerable time in Invergordon; whether he is aware of the conditions under which the workmen have had to work and live; and whether 919 he will inquire immediately into the whole circumstances which have given rise to the present difficulties and arrange for the restoration of the privileges which have been withdrawn?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo privileges have been withdrawn at Invergordon. But undoubtedly the fact, particularly that single men provided with good quarters rent free have for a long time past been in receipt of subsistence allowance—which, as my hon. Friend knows, is designed only for men who have to keep two homes going—has been the subject of discussion with us. I am fully aware of the conditions under which workmen live and work at Invergordon. I have gone into those conditions personally on the spot. I know very good work has been and is being done. I am also happy to know that the relations between the officers and men generally are excellent. I mention the question of single men receiving subsistence allowance and being housed rent free because I should mislead my hon. Friend if I did not say that its continuance has been the subject of consideration by us. That, I imagine, is the privilege which my hon. Friend has in mind; but no decision has been taken, and the whole matter now awaits local report.