HC Deb 12 February 1930 vol 235 cc400-1
30. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has now considered the proposals made by the trades unions with regard to the provision of alternative work in the dockyards; if he will state the nature of these proposals; and what action he proposes to take?

38. Sir K. WOOD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has now given consideration to the proposals from the trade unions concerned with regard to the provision of alternative work in the dockyards; and what reply he has made to such proposals?

Mr. G. HALL

The matter is still under consideration.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Are we to understand that there has been a change in the policy of providing alternative work, and that it is not now the policy of the Admiralty to provide alternative work?

Mr. HALL

I do not think the hon. Member has a right to make that suggestion.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am asking whether it is so.

39. Sir ROBERT GOWER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what work has been given to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Chatham in substitution for the proposed submarine depot ship which was cancelled; and how many additional men, if any, would have been provided with work there had the construction of such submarine depot ship been proceeded with?

Mr. HALL

The principal items of work which have been given to Chatham in substitution for the proposed submarine depot ship are as follow:

  1. (1) The construction of a sloop.
  2. (2) The construction of a caisson.
  3. (3) Additional naval repair work.
  4. (4) The refits of certain oil carrying vessels.
In addition the building of a second sloop is to be undertaken shortly at that yard.

It was not the intention to enter additional men to progress the construction of the submarine depot ship.

Sir R. GOWER

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the difference between the cost of the work which he has just specified and the cost which would have been involved had the construction of the proposed submarine depot ship been proceeded with, particularly so far as labour is concerned.

Mr. HALL

It is quite obvious that I must have notice of that question.