§ MR. T. C. BRUCEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is true that a large number of men were temporarily discharged from Portsmouth Dockyard last Saturday, and a further number on Thursday; and, if so, what is the reason of this measure?
§ MR. TREVELYANNo men have been actually discharged from the books of Portsmouth Dockyard; but 210 men who had been entered for temporary service, and who had, when entered, been informed that they would probably be discharged at the end of the financial year, were told that they would not be required in the Yard from the 20th to the 25th instant. To-day the whole of the men will resume work. The reason for their suspension was that the Yard was£300 to£400 short of money. Orders will be given that in future the Admiralty should be specially informed from the Dockyards, at the end of the financial year, whether a discharge of workmen is in contemplation, so that the Board may use its discretion, as it has done this year in the case of Sheerness.