HC Deb 03 February 1937 vol 319 c1582
20. Mr. Mathers

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to improve the position of watchmen at the Port Edgar base, seeing that they now work an average of 84 hours per week for a wage of 52s.?

Sir S. Hoare

The rate of pay of the two night watchmen at Port Edgar was reviewed as recently as October, 1936, and an increase of 3s. a week granted to them. This rate was fixed in relation to the rates ascertained to be paid locally for comparable work in outside employment.

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, in comparing these wages with outside employment, that this is a very depressed area, and is he satisfied with the number of hours that these men are called upon to work? Are they not quite out of keeping with Government practice?

Sir S. Hoare

The hon. Member communicated with me on the subject, and I made very careful inquiries. I found that this did compare favourably with the normal conditions of labour in the neighbourhood. As to the question of hours, I will look into that point as the hon. Member has raised it again.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these two men are not dismissed because of subversive conduct?

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Will the First Lord give a lead in this matter by seeing that these men get at least one day's holiday a week?

Sir S. Hoare

I do not think that arises directly on this question, but I personally looked into the case of these two men, and it appeared to me, from the information I received, that the conditions were not unfavourable.