§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that at Pembroke Dock painters have been given notice of discharge to take effect on the 2nd June, and at the same time have been offered employment as from the 3rd June as painters' assistants at lower wages; whether this method of lowering the status of a craftsman to that of a skilled labourer is sanctioned by the Admiralty; and whether, in view of the fact that there is ample work for painters at the Pembroke Dock, as, for instance, on His Majesty's Ship "Wren," and that these discharges will take effect before the matter can be raised at the industrial council, he will give instructions to suspend the discharges pending further consideration?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLA number of painters at Pembroke Dock have been given notice of discharge as stated by the hon. Member. There is not sufficient painters' work at present to keep the painters employed and the redundant men have been given notice of discharge. At the same time, there is sufficient work of a lower grade on which "painters' assistants" are usually employed to enable the discharged men to be employed as "painters' assistants" if they so desire, and they have accordingly been given the opportunity of employment in the lower grade if they like to take it.