HC Deb 16 March 1955 vol 538 cc1273-4
11. Mr. R. Bell

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement about the status of dilutees in Admiralty employment.

Mr. Digby

I cannot yet add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend on 30th June last, although the status of dilutees in Admiralty establishments is at present under examination. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as this examination is complete.

Mr. Bell

Is it not 15 years since these relaxation agreements were entered into? Is not that a very long time for people who are in a deferred industrial category? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that Admiralty dilutees are now in a much worse position than those in comparable Air Ministry employment?

Mr. Digby

We will examine this question, but, as my hon. Friend knows, it is a very complex one. More than one trade union is involved, and there are differing viewpoints about it.