§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the men lately disemployed at Haulbowline are still idle, and some of them destitute; whether the machinery necessary for the repairs of vessels, which was sent to Haulbowline last spring, is still lying rusting in the sheds and on the quays; and whether the Admiralty will consider the desirability of immediately erecting this machinery, and thus prevent it from becoming useless, and at the same time give much-needed employment?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI regret that it is not possible, under existing conditions, to provide continuous employment for workmen of all trades at Haulbowline. The Admiralty fully intend to carry out, as far as possible, the work of repairs required for the station at Haulbowline as already promised. The machinery sent to Haulbowline has not 1004 been erected, as the foundations for the machines have only recently been completed. Care is taken that the machinery does not deteriorate. A contract has recently been entered into with a Cork firm to complete the steam and other pipes to driving engine. When this is completed the machinery will be ready for use.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs it not a fact that 87 men have been lately discharged from employment at this Dockyard, and are now out of work?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI must ask my hon. Friend to give notice of that.
An hon. MEMBERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the yard is now overgrown with grass? Is it the intention of the Government to leave it in that condition?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI am not aware that that is the state of affairs.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Does the hon. Gentleman consider that the present treatment of the yard by the Admiralty authorities carries out the promise made by the First Lord and other gentlemen connected with the Admiralty?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONYes, Sir; I think so.