§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the recording of day-work and piece-work raises questions requiring intimate technical knowledge, he will consider the advisability of placing the recording staffs in the Royal dockyards under the supervision of the professional officers who are directly responsible for the performance of the work?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe recording of day-work and piece-work is carried out by a staff selected from the various trades employed at the Royal dockyards possessing the requisite technical knowledge. This staff is employed under the local direction of the accounts officer, who acts quite independently of the professional officers, who, however, certify weekly to the accuracy of the records of all labour employment. The present system has been found1562W to meet all requirements satisfactorily. It ensures the correct compilation of the records of the employment of workmen and their earnings, and acts as an adequate safeguard against irregular employment, while, at the same time, it relieves the professional officers of much clerical work, thus enabling them to devote practically the whole of their time to the direction and supervision of the workmen under their control. The system suggested in the hon. Member's question was in operation for many years, but, in view of its defects, it was superseded by the present system, which is considered the most advantageous both in the interests of the workmen and the Crown.