HC Deb 20 July 1938 vol 338 cc2228-9W
Sir R. Keyes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether masons employed under the superintendent, civil engineers, in His Majesty's dockyards are eligible to participate in the recent classification awards of wages?

Mr. Cooper

The answer is in the affirmative.

Sir R. Gower

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reason the present pensions of men in the dockyards are based on the average pay received by them during the last three years of their service instead of upon the actual rate which they are receiving previous to retirement; and whether any arrangement exists under which the men can exercise any option in this matter?

Mr. Cooper

The pensions awarded to the great majority of established workmen in Admiralty employment are calculated on the actual pay and allowances received by them at the date of discharge. It is only when the emoluments of a workman have varied during the last three years of his service that the provisions of the Superannuation Acts require that his pension should be calculated on his average pay and allowances during the period. There are no arrangements under which a man can exercise an option in the matter.

Sir R. Gower

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present number of chargemen of skilled labourers in Admiralty establishments at home who have served as chargemen for more than 15 years and are still unestablished?

Mr. Cooper

The number is five.