§ 17. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Defence what priority is being given to pay increases for low-paid Government workers in Her Majesty's Dockyards and other Admiralty establishments.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Maurice Foley)The new wages structure for Government workers will cover all grades and operate from the same date.
§ Mr. JuddWould my hon. Friend agree that the pay of many workers in Admiralty establishments has fallen far below that of others in outside industry, and that it must be looked at urgently if the labour force is to be retained?
§ Dame Joan VickersWhen the hon. Gentleman says "all grades", will he tell us if this includes the victualling yards and the armament depôts as well?
§ 18. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Defence what further progress has been made on the implementation of proposals for a new pay structure in Her Majesty's Dockyards; and when the next general increase in pay can be expected.
§ Mr. FoleyDiscussions on a new wages structure are proceeding with the trade unions with the aim of making it effective next July.
§ Mr. JuddWould my hon. Friend agree that there has been far too much reliance in the past on ineffective so-called incentive schemes such as job price contract schemes, and that we must have an adequate and suitable basic pay structure for the future well-being of the dockyards?
§ Mr. FoleyThe National Board for Prices and Incomes has recognised that the industrial workers in the dockyards were out of line with the current rates outside. The question of an incentive scheme is something different.
§ Mr. HamlingWould the hon. Gentleman tell the House what proportion of the Defence Estimates is taken up by wages and salaries, and what offers of 491 support he has had from his right hon. and hon. Friends for increases in the Defence Estimates to take account of increased wages?