Mr. T. WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that his Department have made an offer to the men employed on boom defence at Milford Haven of a weekly wage of 53s. for six shifts or 62s. 8d. for seven shifts; that the men have declined to accept this offer; that they have endeavoured to find employment with private employers at the docks and have been informed that the employers had been forbidden to engage them; whether the Admiralty have given such instructions to the employers; and whether he is aware that there is danger of a stoppage of work in consequence?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not correct to state that the men were offered a new rate of wages. It was decided that there is no necessity to continue overtime. The men stated that they were not prepared to work on present rates without overtime pay, and gave notice to cease work. It is not true that instructions have been given to private employers forbidding them to engage these men. No stoppage of work is apprehended.