§ MR. ROBSON (South Shields)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that although there have been over 1,000 dismissals and suspensions of workmen at Woolwich Arsenal recently, there has been no reduction in the numbers of the foremen or of the official staff generally; and whether he will state what steps he proposes to take in this matter. I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether, while reductions are being made in the working staff at Woolwich Arsenal, and plant there is consequently standing idle, increasing quantities of Government work are being given to private contractors; and whether, in order to induce such contractors to tender for the work, the Government has given them guarantees or promises of future employment of their plant for some years to come.
LORD STANLEYIn reply to the first Question. I am aware of the facts stated, and I do not propose to take any steps in the matter. In reply to the second Question, during the recent pressure increased quantities of work were given to the Ordnance Factories, who, therefore, took on extra men, and to contractors. As the work has now diminished less work is being given to both, and the extra men are being 136 discharged from the Ordnance Factories. No guarantee has been given by the Government, but, in accordance with settled policy, a portion of the work is always given to the trade. It is not desirable to continue working the Ordnance Factories to their fullest power of production.