§ Mr. Thorneasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give any reason why boilermakers and repairers working in the East London Victoria Docks are called upon to work 24 hours on work and 24 hours off work; and why the men could not work three eight-hour shifts.
§ Captain PilkingtonThe hours of work for men engaged on ship repairs in the Port of London are laid down in the working rules agreed between both sides of the industry. There is provision in these rules for overtime, but not for shift working. The rules laid down that when men are required to work one day and one night consecutively they shall not work for the ensuing 24 hours. Altera- 773W tion of the rules to provide for shift working would be a matter for discussion between the two sides of the industry. When, however, the question was last formally considered at the suggestion of the Admiralty, both sides were averse to its introduction. I should make it clear that the amount of night work is small and occurs at irregular intervals.