HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 c911

The orders issued early last year respecting the employment of Artificers in repairing defects, and preventing defects growing up in Ships in Commission, have already borne good fruit. The result is shown in smaller defect lists at Malta and other Foreign Stations, and also in reduced expenditure at the Home Yards upon casual work to this class of ships. The expenditure upon casual work is being gradually reduced all round, and I am confident that as a result of the orders above referred to, and of the close examination now made of the details of such work, considerably greater reductions will be made in the future. There will be a saving upon labour employed on casual work this year, after including nearly £10,000 (not provided for) for labour expended upon the Jubilee Review requirements.