HC Deb 17 June 1918 vol 107 cc35-6
60. Mr. ASTOR

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty propose to adopt the general proposals of the Whitley Committee on industrial reconstruction; and, if so, whether they have taken the first step recommended by the Government of inviting the trade unions concerned to unite with the employers in forming a joint central council?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

I have already explained to my hon. and gallant Friend that whilst we are discussing the setting up locally in each Royal dockyard, and naval establishment, of shop and yard committees, we have not yet reached the point at which the establishment of a Royal dockyard joint central council will be discussed. But I may tell my hon. and gallant Friend that the whole question of these schemes is now the subject of discussion between the trade unions, our employés, and ourselves. Indeed, on Friday next, I am meeting representatives of the whole of the trade unions to which our employés may be presumed to belong.

Major ASTOR

May I ask if the dockyard committee will be settled by agreement with the trade unions concerned, and why the Admiralty could not take the first steps which they recommended to private firms, namely, the setting up of a joint central council?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That is a fair comment—why we did not begin at the top instead of in the locality. The Whitley Committee undoubtedly start with the National Council and come down to the workmen, but they do not recommend that course, except so far that the Reports were issued in that chronological order.

Mr. G. TERRELL

What questions is it proposed to refer to these committees and council?

Dr. MACNAMARA

If my hon. Friend will do me the favour to read the outlined scheme which was sent out on 13th May suggesting a discussion of the propriety or desirability of setting up these shop and dockyard committees, he will find a paragraph devoted to the functions that these committees will have.

Major ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the specific question as to whether he is willing to set up dockyard committees in agreement with the trade unions?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I said that we were discussing on Friday the whole question with the trade unions, and we shall certainly give every attention to the views which they present.