HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1552-3
9. Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that apprehension exists that in the southern dockyards a number of men of military age and grade are employed who are not justifying by the amount of work done their employment in these dockyards; and whether a shipbuilder of experience could go through these yards to ascertain if the results are commensurate with the labour employed?

Dr. MACNAMARA

We have received from time to time a number of complaints along the lines set forth in the first part of my right hon. Friend's question. They have, been invariably investigated and, so far as I can recall, have broken down on examination.

Recently, representatives of the Minister of National Service were associated with Admiralty officials in an investigation into the employment of labour at a northern dockyard, in connection with which a similar complaint had been received.

In view of the latter part of my right hon. Friend's question, it is worth mentioning that of those who took part on the inquiry, one is a practical shipbuilder, three are practical engineers, and one a large works contractor.

The Report shows that the statements which have been made in the Press and elsewhere regarding the state of affairs at this yard have been grossly exaggerated, and that the waste and misuse of labour which have been freely stated to prevail did not, in fact, exist. Certain suggestions put forward are being considered.

I ought to add that the Director of Dockyards is a naval officer with long experience of commercial work on the Tyne, Barrow-in-Furness, and Birken head, and the dockyards come under the general supervision of Sir Thomas Bell, in civil life managing director of one of the principal shipbuilding yards in the country.

Having said so much, I have only this to add, that if my right hon. Friend can give me any concrete instance of the extravagant use of labour or of the hoarding of men against the national interest, I shall be most happy to have the closest inquiry made.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Plymouth portion of the Devon Appeal Tribunal made these allegations, and that they alleged that this dockyard umbrella shielding shirkers is making their work very difficult!

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes; we did receive a communication from one of the members for Plymouth, and that is now being examined.