HC Deb 22 October 1952 vol 505 cc120-1W
90. Mr. Awbery

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what claims made by the Asian and European workers in the Singapore naval base are still outstanding; how long these have been under consideration; and what are the prospects of an early settlement of these grievances.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The Civil Lord met representatives of the Asian and European workers in the naval base during his recent visit to Singapore, and dealt with matters relating to their conditions of employment. The only claim which can now be regarded as outstanding is a renewed one by the Asian employees for paid sick leave which will be considered as expeditiously as possible in relation to the current practice of local good employers generally.

The constitution of joint consultation machinery on a broader basis than exists at present is also being considered, but the question is not without difficulty and it may be some time yet before a decision can be reached.

91. Mr. Awbery

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent which exists at the Singapore naval base owing to the absence of a definite code of working regulations; and if he will introduce either the Home Dockyard Regulations or the Government of the Colony Labour Laws in order to remove many of the outstanding grievances.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

I am aware that a request was made recently by the Singapore Naval Base Labour Union that conditions of employment in the naval base should be determined by reference either to Home Dockyard Regulations or to the local Government Regulations.

The Union, in reply, were reminded of the statement issued by the Admiralty last year, which fully explained the policy on conditions of employment at all overseas naval bases. This policy is to keep broadly in line with the level of conditions accorded by the generality of local good employers, both private and public, and not to follow any one particular employer.

It would, therefore, be inappropriate to apply regulations based solely on either the practice of the United Kingdom dockyards or of the local Government.