§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a resolution from the members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers at His Majesty's dockyard at Devonport, asking for an advance of wages; whether any answer has yet been sent; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take with a view to the serious consideration of this question, with a view to the continuance of the good relations hitherto existing?
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§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have received a resolution of the character indicated in the question. As to an answer to the communication, I must explain to my hon. Friend the Admiralty practice in the matter of appeals from their employés. Every year each class of workman has a right of petition to the Board through the usual channels. After receipt of the petitions the Board visits the yards—since 1911 the duty has devolved upon me, personally—and hears the men's representations in favour of their respective petitions. Each petition may be put forward for personal presentation, either by two accredited employés from the class petitioning or by one dockyard employé and one accredited outside representative. The greatest care is taken in hearing these petitions and in giving due weight to the representations made in their support. When all the yards have been visited, the Board of Admiralty consider the pleas put forward, formulate their decisions, consult other Departments where necessary, and thereafter promulgate the result. The last replies to the annual petitions were issued on 22nd July, 1912, and the rises in wages granted took place as from 1st August, 1912. Following the usual routine, petitions for the succeeding year were received, and they have been heard by me at Devonport, Portsmouth, Chatham (for Chatham and Sheerness), Deptford, West India Docks, and Dover. I have still to hear the petitions forwarded from Portland, Pembroke Dock, and Haulbowline. These will be heard by me with what expedition may be possible, my recommendations will he submitted to the Board, and its decisions announced as speedily as possible. I think it may interest my hon. Friend to know that, as a result of the annual hearing of petitions since 1906, rates of pay have been increased involving at the present time an addition to the wages sheet of about £141,000 per annum. Of that figure about £42,000 is the result of the increases given in response to last year's petitions.