§ Mr. Pinkasked the Minister of State for Defence how many fitter drillers (electrical) at Her Majesty's Dockyard, Portsmouth, were prevented from carrying out their trade due to lack of work; how many have left the dockyard; how many have been given other work and how many are still unemployed; what is the cost to public funds to date; and what is the present weekly cost.
§ Mr. KirkOf the 17 electrical fitter (drillers) originally affected by the trade union representations, three have left the Dockyard and 11 are employed on other work. The wages of the three who remain without work are £65 per week, a total of £4,300 since the dispute arose. Steps are being taken to resolve the situation.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the negotiations concerning the future status of apprentice group instructors in the Royal Naval Dockyards.
§ Mr. KirkAs I said in my letter to the hon. Member of 24th September, 1970, discussions have been reopened with the staff association as a matter of urgency to find an agreed solution to this long-standing problem. These are still continuing.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the progress of productivity negotiations with representatives of civilian employees in Royal Naval dockyards and establishments in the Portsmouth area.
§ Mr. KirkAgreements covering R.N. Armament Depot, Priddy's Hard, R.N. Aircraft Yard, Fleetlands and the Port Auxiliary Service have been signed and are in operation. The general manager's departments in the Dockyard are covered by a draft agreement which is in the final stages of negotiation. Invitations to negotiate agreements have been issued to the trade union representatives at all naval research and development establishments in the area, including the Admiralty Surface Weapon Establishment.
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§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the future pay structure for apprentices in Royal Naval dockyards.
§ Mr. KirkIt has been agreed with the trade unions on the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments that the pay of apprentices in the Royal Dockyards shall be on an age basis at fixed percentages of the craft rate. The new rates are now being paid with arrears back to 1st July. 1970.