§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that large numbers of the Arsenal gas stokers are leaving their employment therein, and going to other factories where the hours of labour are only eight per day; and, whether he will consider the advisability of making the normal working day in the Arsenal eight hours, in order to avoid losing the services of the picked workmen in this industry?
§ * MR. E. STANHOPENo, Sir; I am not aware that large numbers of the arsenal gas stokers are leaving their employment. Two men have applied lately for discharge in ordinary course. The stokers in the gas factory have been informed that the question of altering 397 the length of their working day is under consideration; but I shall not act until I know fully the course adopted in similar works not under Government.