HC Deb 20 June 1934 vol 291 cc357-8
5. Mr. TINKER (for Mr. KIRKWOOD)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what extent the Admiralty have sanctioned electric welding on naval vessels; if it is the intention of the Admiralty to extend electric welding in naval shipbuilding; and will the Government insist on trade union wages and conditions being paid to the men employed in this class of work?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Chatham (Sir P. Goff) on the 19th of March last. With regard to the second part, the Fair Wages Clause is embodied in the contract.

Mr. MACLEAN

The right hon. Gentleman says the Fair Wages Clause is embodied in the contracts. Is it not the case that there is a dispute going on between the Boilermakers' Society and the shipbuilding employers as to what should be the trade union rate for this particular class of work?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

That has nothing to do with the Admiralty at all. The Fair Wages Clause is embodied in contracts.

Mr. MACLEAN

If what is considered a fair wage, which is generally agreed upon between the trade union and the employers, is not agreed upon in this case, what action is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take to see that a real fair wage is paid to these men?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

When that contingency arises if the hon. Gentleman puts a question to me I will answer it.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman paying for this particular class of work the same rates as previously?