§ 9. Mr. RALPH BEAUMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the present rate of filling vacancies in the established numbers of men in His Majesty's dockyards; what alterations in the rate have taken place since 1929; and what are the considerations governing the fixing of the rate?
§ The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)In 1929, only one vacancy out of every eight occurring in the established list in His Majesty's dockyards was filled; in 1930, this proportion was changed to one in six, and in 1934, to the present ratio—one in four. The Admiralty Industrial Council will shortly consider the possibility of a further relaxation of this restriction. During the 1360 War, large numbers of workmen were added to the established list; after the War, owing to extensive discharges and the closing of Rosyth and Pembroke dockyards, the number of established men, especially in the constructive departments, became out of proportion, and it was necessary to correct the balance between established and hired men. No man is placed on the established list unless he has proved his fitness for permanent employment, and unless there is a well-grounded expectation of employing him at his trade until he reaches the age of 60.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTIn view of the more settled conditions of employment in the dockyards, has not the time come when a greater percentage of dockyard men could be admitted to pensionable establishment?
§ Mr. LINDSAYI said that we are considering the possibility of further relaxation.