HC Deb 02 March 1921 vol 138 cc1781-2
25. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why labourers at the Harbour of Refuge, Peterhead, Scotland, are the only men who have not participated in the award in accordance with the agreement of the building trades of 1920; and whether he will take action in the matter?

Sir J. CRAIG

The agreement to which my hon. Friend refers is not applicable to the labourers in question. The labourers employed at Peterhead are paid not less than the district rate.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not the fact that in all previous agreements arrived at between the building trade employers and employed the labourers in question have received the advantages conceded? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is rather hard on these men that they should not participate in the agreement arrived at in 1920, when at the same time craft union men are getting an advance of something like 4d. per hour?

Sir J. CRAIG

My answer here does not apply to the labourers in question. The labourers employed there are paid not less than the district rate.