HC Deb 28 May 1919 vol 116 cc1192-3
17. Mr. WALLACE

asked whether, having regard to the cost of railway travelling between Scotland and England, he will arrange with the Railway Executive Committee for English workmen employed at Rosyth Dockyard to travel South at pre-war rates should they be called to their native district by some sudden emergency?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The workmen permanently employed at Rosyth Dockyard, who were formerly residing in the South of England, are in the same position as other workmen who are now employed away from their native localities.

We have no general authority to offer special facilities such as my hon. Friend has in mind. I do not think the matter is so much one for the Railway Executive Committee as for the Department under which the men are working. I will arrange for the particular Department to consider whether authority should be sought to meet genuine cases of sudden emergency, and will communicate further with my hon. Friend, who must, however, please understand that I am giving no undertaking in the matter.

Major Sir B. FALLE

Has not this matter been before the Admiralty for a considerable period?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes, I think so, in some form or another.

24. Mr. WALLACE

asked whether the claims of the Rosyth workers to have the 2s. per week inducement money made pensionable has been considered; and, if so, with what result?

Dr. MACNAMARA

It has been decided that the 2s. a week referred to is to be reckoned as part of the pensionable emoluments of the employés who are in receipt of it.

25. Mr. WALLACE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the unrest among the workers at Rosyth on account of the prevailing high rent for house accommodation there; and if he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Dr. MACNAMARA

We have received a number of representations regarding rents charged at Rosyth for the houses built by the Scottish National Housing Company, and have given much consideration to the matter. I understand that my Noble Friend, the Civil Lord, proposes to go into the matter on the spot shortly. Either he or I will thereafter communicate with my hon. Friend.