§ 20. Mr. WALLACEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department received a petition from the chargemen of trades in His Majesty's dockyards, Rosyth, Portsmouth, Chatham, etc., relating to increase of pay by annual increments, and the granting of 12 days' annual holiday with pay; and whether a decision has been reached and a reply sent to the petitioners?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEBefore that question is answered may I ask whether the word "Devonport" has not been missed out before Rosyth?
§ Mr. WALLACEBefore my right hon. Friend takes notice of that question, will he in his answer kindly address himself to my question No. 20. Devonport is an "etcetera."
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. Friend (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) should have thought of his point before. A petition has been received of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend, and a deputation of the petitioners had an' interview with me at the Admiralty. Both the points raised require and are receiving careful consideration. I am afraid I can give no undertaking respecting the ultimate decision.
§ Mr. WALLACEWill the right hon. Gentleman give a decision soon on this matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere will be no delay, but both points are rather important. They constitute an alteration in the status as well as in the pay of the chargemen
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKENow would the right hon. Gentleman say why Devon-port is not represented?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have seen the Devonport chargehands 6n both these matters on several occasions.