§ 11. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent in the minds of 389 a large number of men working in the Government dockyards, mole especially stokers and crane drivers, in consequence of the long delay in getting any of their grievances settled, even if they have been considered by the Admiralty Joint Industrial Council; if he is aware that the Joint Industrial Council only meet about every four weeks, and if the officials of the Admiralty desire to postpone the case it is another four weeks before it can be heard; if he is aware of the dissatisfaction in connection with the classification of skilled labourers; and whether he will be prepared to receive a deputation of the men in question about the matter?
§ Mr. HODGESThe answer to the first part, of the question is in the negative. The council meetings are held about every four weeks, and no application has been made by the workmen's representatives to have the meetings convened more frequently. I have no doubt that the trades union members of the Joint Industrial Council would move for expedition if they considered the present arrangements unsatisfactory.