§ CAPTAIN BOWLES (Middlesex, Enfield)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he intends to take immediate action to alleviate the distress now existing at Enfield Lock owing to the dismissal of a large number of hands from the Royal Small Arms Factory?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEIt is not the fact that a large number of hands have been recently discharged from Enfield. Out of 2,570 men only 127 have been discharged during the past six weeks, and 33 more are under notice to leave. It is probable that some further reduction will have to be made, but there is no intention of reducing the numbers below what they were before recent and temporary increases. I hope, therefore, that the alleged distress at Enfield may be of a limited character. It is rather difficult to answer questions on this matter briefly; and, as possibly other questions may arise, I would suggest that they should be asked when the Army Estimates afford the opportunity, to-night or to-morrow.
§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by a temporary increase? Can he say when the temporary increase was made, and what it was? Also, whether he is aware there is a large amount of distress at Enfield, and no other source of industry in the neighbourhood?
§ COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)If the numbers have not recently been reduced will the right hon. Gentleman say was an increase made owing to the delay while waiting for the change of plan in the manufacture, and when was the reduction made?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThere was an abnormal increase some two or three years ago when we were rather pressed with orders, but since then, I am sorry to say, the work has decreased.