HC Deb 05 May 1926 vol 195 cc281-3W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what subsistence, money is paid to dockyard men transferred from Rosyth and Pembroke to Devonport; and for how long this subsistence allowance is paid?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Apart from the lodging allowances described in my reply to a similar question by the hon. Member on the 21st April (OFFICIAL REPORT, Columns 1195–6), the only subsistence money payable is in respect of food on the journey south or for temporary sleeping accommodation for a few nights before unfurnished or furnished accommodation is obtained. The amount payable for the journey if it extends overnight is 10s. or 7s. 6d. (according to rate of wages) for the man himself and actual food expenses within the same rate for each member of the family whose expenses are allowable. If the journey does not extend overnight, but takes 10 hours or over, the allowance payable is 3s. 4d. or 2s. 6d. for the man and actual food expenses within the same rate for each member of the family. Where it is necessary to occupy temporary sleeping accommodation at Devon-port before furnished or unfurnished accommodation is obtained, 10s. or 7s. 6d. a night can normally be allowed for not more than three nights, or in very exceptional circumstances seven nights.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether arrangements can be made to pay the allowances to dockyard men transferred from Rosyth and Pembroke to Devonport promptly on arrival or before their departure from the closed dockyards?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The lodging allowances payable to these men depend on the expenses actually and unavoidably incurred for furnished accommodation, etc., at Devonport, and they can therefore only be paid as they accrue. Pending settlement of their claims the men can obtain advances locally.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all the dockyard men, including hired men, transferred from Rosyth and Pembroke to Devonport have been found employment?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes, Sir; but transfer confers no title to permanent employment.