§ 24. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that six general labourers instead of painters are being employed painting the "Unicorn" at Dundee; that the work has formerly been done under contract with a painter; that the difference in the wage rate is sevenpence per hour; that the departmental inspector reported conditions as satisfactory, although informed that 62 painters were idle; and have steps been taken to rearrange matters as desired by the painters' society?
Mr. ALEXANDERFurther inquiries are being made into this matter, and I hope to let my hon. Friend have some information before very long.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole thing is in contravention of the agreement with the unions; and has any definite action been taken?
Mr. ALEXANDERMy hon. Friend does not. I am sure, expect that I, personally, can look into every small contract for £300 or £400, before it is made. In this case, I have asked that the matter should be looked into at the Admiralty.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURDoes the right hon. Gentleman understand that this business has been going on for some time?
Mr. ALEXANDERI saw the papers dealing with the matter this morning, and action is being taken to inquire into it.