HC Deb 12 March 1886 vol 303 c641
MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, having regard to the present severe depression in trade, and the number of workmen unemployed, the War Office will abolish all systematic overtime in Woolwich Arsenal, and at the Small Arms Factory at Enfield, unless some absolute necessity should require a temporary resort to such overtime?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (, &c.) Stirling

In cases of urgency it is not possible entirely to avoid overtime. Even if limitations of space and plant did not forbid it, there are cases in which the difficulty could not be mot by the employment of new and inexperienced hands. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that there is no desire to resort to overtime whenever it can be avoided.

MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will grant, as an unopposed Return, the Return relating to Woolwich and Enfield Factories on to-day's Paper?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

said, he would be glad to consent to this Return with a few modifications, upon which he would consult his hon. Friend.

VISCOUNT CURZON (Bucks, Wycombe)

asked whether, in spite of the official announcement to the contrary, it was not really true that the Admiralty had given directions for the discharge of at least 400 men from Devonport Dockyard?

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT) (Oldham)

I am not aware of any such directions having been given.