§ MR. PEMBERTONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is true that all the hired workmen employed in Sheerness Dockyard have been put on short time with a corresponding reduction in their wages, although a considerable quantity of work in the Yard still remains unfinished; and, whether this course is taken in consequence of any decision of the Lords of the Admiralty permanently to reduce the establishment or entirely to close the Yard?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the Captain Superintendent of Sheerness, finding that the Yard was a little short of money, determined to give the men a compulsory half-holiday on two weeks, as a preferable alternative to discharging 40 of their number. He had taken this course on his own responsibility, and on the question being brought to the notice of the Admiralty, orders have been sent to Sheerness that work may go on as usual.