§ 32. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the carpenters who were on strike for some time at a certain shipyard establishment delaying the construction of a troop leave ship, and who returned to work, did so on the understanding that they should work at time rates instead of piece work as formerly; if the men were taken back on this understanding by the instructions of the Government to the firm concerned; and if, as a result of this change, there has been a serious falling off in the output of work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe joiners on strike did return to work on the understanding that they should work at time rates instead of the system of modified piecework formerly in force for this class of work in the yard in question. The men were taken back at time rates on the instructions of the Admiralty. It is not yet known to what extent the change in the system of payment has affected output.
§ Mr. TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman have a careful watch kept on the operations of these men so as to be able to answer a question on this subject a little later on?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs my hon. Friend knows, the question has lately arisen, and any examination under this time rate has not been extensive enough yet; but, at any rate, the point is a fair one to consider.
Mr. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that nothing will be so calculated to throw these men on strike again if you are going to start with prejudice and suspicion right away?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not imagine my hon. Friend or myself has any prejudice or suspicion at all. I am asked for facts, and I will see if they can be obtained.
Sir P. HALLIn order that there may be no question as to prejudice, may I ask 30 whether the right hon. Gentleman will inquire plainly and specifically whether under the time rates these men engaged on caulking are only doing half the amount they were doing when on piece-work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put down a question.