§ MR. BOORDasked the Surveyor General of the Ordnance, Whether he will state the present hours of work in the several Departments of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, and explain why the present urgent requirements of the 1873 public service cannot be met by at least a temporary increase in the number of men employed, instead of imposing an excessive amount of extra labour on the existing staff; and, whether it is a fact that artizans, otherwise fully qualified, are not engaged at the Royal Arsenal unless they are members of a Trade Society?
§ MR. BRANDThe present hours of work in the several Departments of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich vary according to circumstances. For instance, nearly all branches of the Royal Laboratory are working up to 8.30 P.M., with, of course, the usual interval for meals, while in the Gun Factory work is carried on day and night without intermission on shifts. In the Royal Carriage Department, on the other hand, some Departments are working only the ordinary hours; but in this case others are working up to 8 o'clock at night, and even later. Where possible the present urgent requirements of the Service have been met by a temporary increase in the number of men employed; but, as a rule, the accommodation and plant do not admit of extra hands being employed, and the emergencies are best met by extra exertion on the part of the existing Establishments. It is not a fact that artizans otherwise fully qualified are not engaged at the Royal Arsenal unless they are members of a Trade Society. No inquiry whatever is made on the point.