§ MR. PEMBERTONsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether men are still being discharged from Sheerness Dockyard; and whether it is true that, in consequence of the want of labourers in the yard, barges and other craft bringing stores from Woolwich are detained from eight to ten days before they can discharge their cargo; and whether, when discharged, the iron and timber stores are placed in the yard exposed to the weather, from the want of labourers to store them or stow them away under cover; and, if application has not been made from the Dockyard for more labourers for this work, and been refused?
§ MR. CHILDERSsaid, in reply, that it was true that reductions were being made, and that they would be continued; but no representation had been made to the Admiralty of any want of labour in connection with the proper storing of the large amount of timber that had recently arrived at Sheerness from Woolwich. The supply of labourers was quite sufficient to stow it away gradually, but not rapidly; and after the contemplated changes had been carried out the staff of common labourers would be 300 strong, which would be quite sufficient for all the duties required.