§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he can state if it is the practice in the Naval Ordnance Department, Woolwich Arsenal, when a labourer desires one hour's leave to compel him to lose five hours, if the leave required be before 1 p.m.; and three hours and forty minutes if after 1 p.m.; and whether he will consider the advisability of altering this practice?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.In the Naval Ordnance department there are two classes of labourers, namely: (1) those who were transferred from the War Department in 1891; (2) those who entered since then. The facts stated in the Question refer to the former class, who are under the War Office regulations. They are entitled to seven days' annual leave, without deduction of pay, but such leave is not allowed to be taken in less quantities than half a day. This is the practice in the Army Ordnance Department, from which these men were transferred.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONWill the honourable Gentleman consider the advisability of altering the practice?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not think it would be desirable to alter the practice in regard to these men, who enjoy a good many privileges which the others have not.