HC Deb 05 March 1930 vol 236 cc413-4
20 and 21. Mr. MARKHAM

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will give instructions that all dockyard repair work shall be done by dockyard men where possible; and

(2) whether Naval ratings are employed on the repair and painting of His Majesty's Ship "Coventry" whilst dock yard workers are unemployed?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 19th February (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 1357–8) to the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) on a similar point. To make perfectly clear what is the position I may say that it has always been the duty of the crews of His Majesty's ships to carry out all work in connection with their upkeep and repair which is within their capacity. The function of the Royal Dockyards is to build and equip the ships and to carry out repairs and alterations which cannot be undertaken by the Naval ratings.

Mr. MARKHAM

Is it not a fact that the line of demarcation in the ports is that the ship is in commission; this ship is not in commission, but is under a D. 2 refit, and ought it not normally to be done by dockyard men?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The first part of the supplementary question is made under a misapprehension, and the second part therefore does not arise.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that Labour Members who sit for dockyard constituencies made a definite promise that the Labour Government would see that all repairs were done in the dockyards?

Mr. MOSES

No.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the effect of those matters on unemployment, and, in view of the special circumstances of unemployment, can he not look into the matter, as it is one of dispute?

Mr. ALEXANDER

All relevant considerations are taken into account, but the House must remember that it is essential in the general interests of the Service that the crews of His Majesty's Ships shall be able to carry out repairs at any time.

Commander BELLAIRS

As the ability to maintain their ships away from dockyards is one of the most important parts of the training of the crews, will the right hon. Gentleman see that this practice is increased rather than decreased?