HC Deb 18 March 1918 vol 104 cc642-4
32. Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked to what extent the reduction in output of the shipbuilding in January, reported by him, was due to the strike in the shipyards on the Clyde during that month which, to a large extent, brought construction to a standstill in that district; if, in order that injustice may not be done to yards on the North-East Coast and other shipbuilding districts where he is satisfied that every effort is being put forth, he will give separate statistics of falling-off for the principal shipbuilding centres; and if, in view of the manner in which the situation on the Clyde has been handled throughout, he will state what steps are being taken either to reconstruct or strengthen with expert control the Admiralty Shipyard Labour Department?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot state the precise extent to which January's output was due to the labour disputes on the Clyde during that month. But undoubtedly they had a very serious effect indeed. I say this after making the most generous allowance for exceptionally bad weather and the effect of the holiday period.

The immediate cause of the trouble was the claim of piece-workers to be awarded a bonus in consideration of the bonus which had previously been awarded to the time workers. The. War cabinet decided to grant the piece-workers a bonus of 7½ per cent., and the bulk of the men resumed work towards the end of the month.

There was another dispute affecting a smaller number of men which had reference to riveting rates as fixed by the Committee on Production's award of 11th December, 1917. After discussion, an inquiry was instituted by the Clyde Shipbuilders' Association and the Boilermakers' Society, pending which the men in question resumed work.

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that comparative statistics should be prepared showing output according to districts is already under consideration. We shall, however, enter upon such a comparison more for the purpose of stimulating the spirit of patriotic emulation, rivalry, and determination, than for the purpose of recrimination.

As regards the last part of the question, the Shipyard Labour Department had no jurisdiction, as I am advised, to intervene in the Clyde disputes of January. I am bound to say—and I watch the matter day by day—I think we owe a good deal to the Shipyard Labour Department—on the staff of which there is a considerable number of men experienced in ship construction and yard management and shipyard trade unionists—for its efforts in the direction of extending dilution, securing interchangeability, setting aside demarcation rules, and in a great many cases smoothing over difficulties in anticipation of trouble

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the information I have asked for in the first part of the question is in existence; and, if so, will he state why he does not give it?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The hon. and gallant Member must read my answer. I have most categorically answered every point raised in the question.

Sir F. HALL

With all deference to the right hon. Gentleman's answer, will he say whether the information asked for in the first part of my question does exist; and, if so, will he give it to the House?

Dr. MACNAMARA

If the hon. and gallant Member means do I know the precise extent to which the reduction in output is due to the strike in the Clyde shipyards, I say that I do not know, and no one does, but I repeat that it had a very serious effect indeed, and I do not think I can carry it further than that.

Mr. FRANCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very great deal of irritation and friction is caused in shipyards by there being five departments interfering at the same time, and is he aware, that a sixth department is now interfering?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That is a question which could very fairly be discussed in the Debate on Wednesday. Obviously, I could not deal fully with it now. What I have done is to answer precisely the question on the Paper.

Sir F. HALL

Then I am to understand that that information does not exist?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I do not think anybody could say definitely what is the precise effect.

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot go on arguing this point.

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Is not the delay largely due to the fact that the New Year's holidays cut into several days, the work being held up; and was there not several days of bad weather?

Mr. SPEAKER

That has all been dealt with in the reply.