Major GUESTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the final replies to, the skilled labourers' petitions will be made known; and what proportion of the £19,000 which was voted for increases to the skilled labourers' pay has already been allotted to the men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe consideration of the great number of questions raised has taken somewhat longer than was anticipated, but the replies to the whole of the petitions are practically complete and will be issued with the least possible delay. I am not in possession of the detailed information necessary for me to give a reply to the latter part of the question.
Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the answer to the workmen's petition for an increase in the overtime rates will be promulgated; whether be is aware that the answer was promised for July; and whether, in view of the amount of overtime at present being worked, any change decided upon will be retrospective?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe consideration of the last annual requests dealing with many of the conditions of employment of all the various classes—comprised in the 50,000 employes—in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments has taken somewhat longer than was anticipated. As my hon. Friend is aware, the replies as to wages were issued as early as 9th May. The remaining replies are practically complete, and will be issued with the least possible delay.