§ 18. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the pressure of work at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory at Greenock, and that some of the departments, such as the engineers, are divided into day and night shifts, but that the blacksmiths are not so divided but working excessive overtime; and whether, with a view of absorbing unemployed blacksmiths, he will divide the blacksmiths' work into day and night shifts?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)It was not considered that it was in the interest either of economy or efficiency to introduce night shifts for the blacksmiths in view of the time that would have been required to train the new entrants. It is anticipated that the overtime will cease in a month's time.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs there no private factory now in existence to which some of this work can be transferred?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI must ask for notice of that question.
§ Mr. BUCHANANSeeing that there are unemployed blacksmiths in the neighbourhood, could not the hon. Gentleman consider giving them a temporary job until the work is overtaken?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMWe must consider what is the most efficient and economic way of working. It is for that reason that we did not take on more blacksmiths than we have done. We have taken on as many as we possibly could.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIn the event of the amount of work to be done not being finished, will the Minister be prepared then to consider putting on an extra shift?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMIn a month's time, if the work is not finished, there may be a different situation, but I cannot give the undertaking the hon. Member suggests, because until the time comes, it would be premature.
§ Mr. HARDIEAre we to take it that it is more efficient to give extra work to a man who has done eight or nine hours, rather than take on a fresh man who can do it better?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMIt takes some time to train blacksmiths to do this particular work.