17. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the Admiralty refuse to act on the suggestion made by the Industrial Court in Award 323, dated the 1st June, 1920, regarding skilled labourers in the rigging houses of the dockyards, which suggestion was that men with 10 years' service who are suitable for promotion to rigger should be eligible for progressive advances of pay up to 37s. per week?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe suggestion referred to was given consideration, and it was decided that it was incompatible with the general arrangements for regulating the wages of skilled labourers in the Royal Dockyards, and could not therefore be adopted.
Mr. ADAMSONFor what reason was this question referred to the Industrial Court if the hon. Gentleman's Department are not prepared to carry out their recommendations?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERI think the hon. Member will see that this is a matter for debate rather than for question and answer.