§ 10. Captain Pluggeasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the recent agreement between the shipbuilding employers' federation and the shipyards trade unions in respect of an advance in wages of 6s. for a week of 47 hours, with equivalent increases for piece workers; and whether this increase will be reflected by any further improvement in the wage rates paid in Admiralty dockyards?
Lord StanleyI understand that increases of 4s. a week in time wages and of 8 per cent. in piece rates are about to be made in two instalments in the shipbuilding industry. The board will consider whether in consequence any change in wage rates in Admiralty establishments is called for.
§ Captain PluggeAre not the wages paid in Admiralty dockyards superior to those paid in other yards; and does not my Noble Friend think that, in view of the importance of the work in the Naval yards, it is desirable that the Admiralty should lead rather than follow the practice of other yards?
§ Mr. ThorneDo I understand, from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question, that he means to say that higher wages are paid in the Government dockyards? If so, may I point out to him that it is not true by a long way?
§ Mr. KellyIs not this question of wages now being dealt with by the trade unions on the Shipbuilding Trades Joint Council for the Admiralty?
Lord StanleyI think that all these questions are under discussion at the moment. It is true, however, that the wages paid by the Admiralty are higher.