HC Deb 05 March 1886 vol 303 cc14-5
SIR HENRY TYLER

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, having regard to the present condition of trade and manufacture, he will cause the order to discharge 800 workmen from the Enfield Small Arms Factory, on the 1st April, to be reconsidered, and ascertain if the services of some or all of those workmen could be usefully retained for a longer period?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)

The order in question was issued as a warning to the workmen of a reduction which then seemed probable; but I am glad to say that our final arrangements are so made that I hope any abrupt dismissal on a large scale will be avoided.

SIR HENRY TYLER

Will that apply to other establishments of the War Department?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

That order was not issued at other establishments.

VISCOUNT FOLKESTONE

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether he anticipates having to reduce the number of workmen in the Enfield Small Arms Factory?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

There is no certainty on that subject; but I can promise that every possible care will be taken that it shall not be abrupt or inconvenient to the workmen, or involve unnecessary hardship.