HC Deb 19 February 1930 vol 235 cc1357-8
23. Mr. KELLY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why 130 naval ratings are employed on painting work on His Majesty's Ship "Hood" at Portsmouth Yard in view of the number of men who are unemployed in Portsmouth?

Mr. AMMON

It is the long standing practice of the Admiralty to employ naval ratings on work on board His Majesty's ships which is within their capacity when they are not required for other duties.

Mr. KELLY

What is meant by longstanding practice, seeing that this has been civilian work until recently?

Mr. AMMON

My hon. Friend is misinformed. It was suspended during the War, but it had always been the practice up till then, and it has been resumed.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable disquiet about the growth of this practice of allowing naval ratings to encroach on trade union work and to increase unemployment?

Mr. AMMON

I am not aware that there is a growth of the practice, that there is any disquiet, or that there is any encroachment on trade union work.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Does the hon. Gentleman deny the facts in this question?

Mr. AMMON

I deny all the statements made by the hon. Gentleman in his supplementary question.

Commander SOUTHBY

Has it not always been customary for His Majesty's Navy to paint His Majesty's ships?

Mr. AMMON

Yes, that has always been customary, and also all necessary cleansing work.