HC Deb 16 March 1938 vol 333 cc389-90
10. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many workers in the torpedo factory at Greenock are affected by the decision of the Admiralty, under which industrial employés not covered by existing contributory schemes may arrange for contributions to local hospital funds by means of deductions from their pay; whether this decision will apply to new entrants; and whether he can give the total number of workers throughout the country affected by this decision?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

According to the latest returns available, the total number of industrial employés in Admiralty establishments at home is approximately 64,000. It is not possible, without extensive and detailed inquiry, to say how many of these workpeople will be affected by the opportunity to make their contributions through the medium of the centralised machinery mentioned in my reply of 9th March. The number of industrial employés at Greenock affected is approximately 3,200, of whom 1,587 already make contributions by means of deductions from pay. The remainder will be in a position to avail themselves of the new facilities, which will apply also to new entrants.

Mr. Gibson

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether these new facilities will be available both to industrial and non-industrial workers?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

Not at the moment.