HC Deb 22 July 1942 vol 382 cc4-5
3. Commander King-Hall

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a shipyard whose name has been communicated to him and which employs over 10,000 men, is closing down for 10 days; and, whilst recognising that a holiday is necessary for the workers on account of their abnormally long working hours, can he assure the House, in view of the present shipping situation, that the closing down of this and other yards at this time is in the best interests of production?

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The policy of His Majesty's Government is that all workers should receive a week's holiday during the summer. The firm in question is closing down from noon Saturday until 7.30 a.m. on the following Monday week. This represents a period of a full working week on current summer working hours in shipyards. I am satisfied that the holiday being granted by this firm is in accord with the Government policy, and that a holiday as laid down in that policy is absolutely necessary to ensure continued development of maximum output.

Commander King-Hall

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that assurance, may I ask him whether he is aware that there is considerable misunderstanding among the workers in the firm and among the general public, on the facts of this case? Will he take steps, first, to impress upon the managers of yards the necessity to explain to the workers that this is in the interest of production, and, secondly, through the Ministry of Information, to get the same things out to the general public, to avoid misapprehension?

Mr. Alexander

Certainly, Sir. I will take note of what the hon. and gallant Member says. I might also add that the holidays are not all being given in one week. They are taken in turns, yard by yard. They are staggered, yard by yard, and a great deal of work goes on in the yards in improvements and maintenance.