HC Deb 10 March 1954 vol 524 c149W
8. Brigadier Clarke

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average earnings of a skilled worker in Portsmouth Dockyard; and how these compare with the wages of skilled workers in other comparable branches of industry.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Average weekly earnings of a cross-section of skilled adult workers in the main departments of Portsmouth Dockyard are estimated to be £9 4s. 6d. Realistic comparison with earnings in industry is difficult, in view of the wide divergences in piece-work and overtime practice. Basic wage rates in the Dockyards are, however, fixed with regard to those in the shipbuilding, ship-repairing and engineering industries.

Brigadier Clarke

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average earnings of an unskilled worker in Portsmouth Dockyard; and how these compare with the wages of unskilled workers in other comparable branches of industry.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Average weekly earnings of a cross-section of unskilled adult workers in the main departments of Portsmouth Dockyard are estimated to be £7 10s. 10d.