§ 3. Mr. R. Bellasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he will apply to Admiralty civilian employees, at present classed as dilutees, treatment in relation to merit pay and establishment similar to that provided by the agreement between the Air Ministry and the Amalgamated Engineering Union.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasDilutees employed by the Admiralty already receive treatment for establishment comparable with that given to Air Ministry dilutees. Merit pay for Admiralty craft grades including dilutees is regulated by an agreement negotiated on the Shipbuilding Trades Joint Council on which the Amalgamated Engineering Union is only one of many unions represented. This agreement is at present under review.
§ Mr. BellWill my right hon. Friend press forward this review, because a substantial concession has recently been made to Air Ministry employees and the delay is making this a legitimate grievance on the part of Admiralty employees?
§ Mr. ThomasWe certainly shall not waste time in pursuing this matter.
§ Mr. HobsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that he is going to meet representatives of the unions on this matter, and is he aware that it concerns the craft unions, of which the Amalgamated Engineering Union is the largest?
§ Mr. ThomasYes. Anybody interested in this matter will be consulted as well as the main unions.
§ 4. Mr. R. Bellasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the wartime temporary relaxation agreement with the Amalgamated Engineering Union is being enforced at Admiralty establishments in South Buckinghamshire, but is not being applied in private engineering industry in that area; and whether he will dispel the resulting anomaly and injustice by arranging for equality of treatment for all employees in the Admiralty establishments.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThe wartime dilution agreement between the Admiralty and the Amalgamated Engineering Union is still in force and the employment of dilutees registered with that union must therefore continue to be governed by it. Any proposals for a revision of the agreement which the Amalgamated Engineering Union may put forward will, of course, be carefully considered.
§ Mr. BellBut while the Admiralty naturally feels bound by this agreement, when my right hon. Friend is engaging in negotiations with the Amalgamated Engineering Union will he take into account the fact that in private employment in the area the agreement is no longer in operation?
§ Mr. ThomasI am aware of what my hon. Friend says, but this is a very complex subject for Parliamentary Question and answer. I am quite prepared to discuss it with my hon. Friend if he wishes to do so.