§ 9. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that yard-craftsmen in Devonport Dockyard are on duty 24 hours per day on seven days a week; that the average number of hours per week that they work is 100; that they have no specified time for leaving work; that it is a frequent occurrence for them to do 156 hours on duty at a stretch, whilst on occasion they do from 60 to 70 hours at a stretch, during which time each man has to provide his own food to last for three days, which means, in effect, that each man has to support two homes out of the meagre-wages provided; whether he is aware that the total wages and emoluments of these State workers are £ 6s. 10d. per week of 100 hours; that they are only granted six days' leave per annum, and that only when they can be spared; that they are 388 not entitled to sick pay; and whether be can see his way to improve the conditions and wages under which these men work?
§ The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Hodges)Yardcraftsmen are seafaring men, and may be required to be on board their vessels for 24 hours a day, seven days a week; as regards hours of duty, I am unable to concur in the figures given by the hon. Member, and it should be understood that yardcraftsmen, like other seafaring men, are not always actually at work all the time they spend on board their vessels; an allowance is paid, in addition to wages, whenever the men are required to be on board their vessels for periods in excess of 24 hours, whether in port or out of port; allowances, in addition to regular wages, are also paid when duty is unusually arduous or prolonged; the regular weekly wages of an able seaman amount to 51s. 4d. minimum, and of a stoker, 53s. ld. minimum. The annual leave allowed is as stated; the crews are insured under the National Health Insurance Act in respect of sickness. I may add that the most complete machinery exists, in the shape of Whitley Councils and Committees, for the ventilation of any grievances of any classes of employés through their trade union representatives.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIn view of the long hours the men work, and the very low wages paid, will he undertake to look into the question; and may I assume that he does not wish to deprive a Member of Parliament of the right of representing his own constituents?
§ Mr. HODGESI am always prepared to go into these cases of long hours and under-payment, but the machinery exists, and I have discovered that the most expeditious way to deal with them is through the trade union representatives on the Whitley Council.
§ Sir THOMAS BRAMSDONHas the case of these men come under the Whitley Council recently?
§ Mr. HODGESNo.