HC Deb 10 December 1919 vol 122 cc1288-9
10. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he was now in a position to give the terms of the settlement arrived at between the Government and the employés in the Royal dockyard at Hong Kong?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the applications which have been made by the chargemen who are serving at Hong Kong under agreement from home dockyards for an increase in their emoluments. The grant to these employés of an increase of 10 per cent. on their rates of wages, which are paid in dollars, was notified on 4th July, 1919, to take effect as from the 1st January, 1918. The employés in question, however, profess themselves to be dissatisfied with the amount of this grant, and the matter is receiving further consideration.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rate of exchange is so bad that the emoluments of these men under the July award are really not sufficient for them to carry on at all, and that several of them are in very great distress?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I hope that is not the case.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

It is; I have a telegram here to that effect.

Dr. MACNAMARA

The men are not satisfied with the grant, and the matter is receiving further consideration.