§ MR. CONINGHAMsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether a body of men belonging to the Royal Engineers have been employed by the War Department on the Barracks at Chelsea in consequence of the strike among the Masons; and, if so, whether such a proceeding be consistent with the principle of non-interference between the Masters and Men?
MR. T. G. BARINGSir, in respect to this question relative to the progress of the barracks at Chelsea, I have to state that it was most important that the works should be completed, in order that the money voted by Parliament should be expended within the year. The works 878 would have been stopped for the want of a few masons. In consequence it was thought that for a short time some sappers should be employed to prevent the works being brought to a stand-still; and, also, that the labourers not on the strike should continue to be employed, but who must have been discharged but for the temporary employment of a few sappers.
§ MR. CONINGHAMsaid, he wished to ask whether the sappers were furnished to the contractor?
MR. T. G. BARINGThe barracks at Chelsea are constructed by contractors: but the sappers were furnished not to benefit the contractor but in the service of the Government.